Kate Middleton opens up on most vital time in Prince George, Charlotte and Louis’ lives as she pens emotional comment piece

Kate Middleton opened up about how we’re ‘not doing enough’ as she explained why one time period is so important to children's’ futures…

Kate Middleton opened up on importance of first five years; seen here hosting a roundtable with Government ministers and the Early Years sector
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton opened up on the most vital time in Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis’ lives as she penned an emotional comment piece. 


The Princess of Wales has shared many special and inspiring anecdotes, insights and messages with fans over the years. These range from Kate Middleton and Prince William’s first meeting being discussed in detail to her penning an emotional letter to the staff of Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Now the Princess of Wales has showcased her writing skills again in honor of a cause close to her heart. 

Getting candid in a powerfully-written comment piece for The Telegraph, Kate Middleton opened up on the most vital time in Prince George, Charlotte and Louis’ lives - the first five years - and just why it’s so significant.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, accompanied by their parents the Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrive for a settling in afternoon at Lambrook School

(Image credit: Photo by Jonathan Brady - Pool/Getty Images)

“I have become more and more sure of one thing: if we are going to create a healthier and happier society for future generations, we must start by understanding and acknowledging the unique importance of the first five years of life,” she declared, opening this enlightening piece. 

She continued, “Early childhood, from pregnancy to the age of five, fundamentally impacts our whole lives, establishing the core foundations which allow us to go on to thrive as individuals, with one another, as a community and as a society.”

The future Queen Consort explained that over the past three decades “the body of evidence to support this has grown substantially”. She then went on to emotively reveal why these five years are so crucial for children. 

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meets Laura Molloy and her 10-month-old son during a visit to St. John's Primary School in Glasgow

(Image credit: Photo by JANE BARLOW/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“We now know that in the first five years of our lives, our brains develop faster than at any other time and that the impact of those years is hugely significant,” she said. “It is the way we develop through our experiences, relationships and interactions at that very young age that shapes everything from our ability to form relationships and succeed at work, to our mental and physical health as adults.”

Out of her three children only Prince Louis is still under five. He and his siblings - perhaps the most frequently seen of the late Queen’s great-grandchildren - have experienced everything from royal tours to appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Color in their first five years. 

They’ve had many “experiences” and “interactions” that other children haven’t and according to Kate, this could shape how they are as adults.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Warsaw airport

(Image credit: Photo by Arthur Edwards / Pool/ Getty Images)

And whilst the Princess of Wales has long been a passionate advocate for Early Years research and support, she said that “not enough is being done”.

She wrote, “If we are going to tackle the sorts of complex challenges we face today like homelessness, violence and addiction, which are so often underpinned by poverty and poor mental health, we have to fully appreciate those most preventative years and do everything we can to nurture our children and those who care for them.”

“That is why I am determined to continue to shine a light on this issue and to do everything I can to secure much greater focus on those first crucial few years for the youngest members of our society - they are, after all, our future,” the Princess of Wales powerfully concluded. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!