Kate Middleton speaks out on ‘lonely and overwhelming’ time as she shines a light on ‘vital work’

Kate Middleton has spoken out about a time when many feel “lonely and overwhelmed” as she highlighted “vital work” to help stop people “suffering in silence”. 

• The Duchess of Cambridge got candid about one of the most “challenging times” in a poignant new video. 
• She announced her new role as Patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance as she urged everyone to support all those raising children. 
• This royal news comes as there’s heartache for the Queen as she pulls out of special royal plans amid her health struggles.  

As a senior member of the extended Royal Family, the Duchess of Cambridge is consistently raising awareness for important issues. Despite some claiming Kate Middleton is a “natural introvert” and finds her high-profile role “challenging” at times, her warmth and commitment come through in her engagements as she highlights charities and organizations that do so much for so many. This was certainly the case with her confident latest appearance as the Duchess took to YouTube for a very special reason.

Posting a moving new video, Kate marked Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (May 2-May 8 2022) as she opened up on an intensely difficult time and affirmed no one should face it alone. 

Speaking from what could possibly be her home at Kensington Palace, the future Queen Consort and mother described parenthood as a "gift". However, she also got candid about how the early years of a child’s life are “demanding”. 

“The birth of a child is one of life’s greatest gifts. But it can also be one of the most challenging times for many families and one that should not be faced alone,” the mom-of-three began before going on to stress that, “This Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is about the power and importance of connection”.  

Discussing the “lonely and overwhelming” nature of early years, she empathetically discussed the heartbreaking impact it has on many women in the UK. 

“But we all know that pregnancy, childbirth, and the first months and years of a child’s life can be hugely demanding,” the Duchess explained. “Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years. Around 20% of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence.”

Kate added that “no one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression” at this time. As a result, she affirmed, it’s “crucial” that everyone who might be struggling has access to the “right support at the right time”. 

In this way, the Duchess suggested that they would feel able to share their feelings “without fear of judgment” and that they can “access the information, care, and support” they need. 

Reflecting on the work done to transform attitudes, raise awareness and provide important services over the decades, she continued, “Much of this vital work has been led by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (opens in new tab), a fantastic organization of which I am extremely proud to become Patron of today.”

The MMHA is a UK-wide charity and network consisting of over 100 organizations whose mission is to ensure women and families affected by perinatal mental issues can have access to comprehensive support and care. 

Just like many of her relatives high up in the royal line of succession, the Duchess has a huge number of patronages and she's previously shown her passion for the early years when she announced the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. 

And it seems she’s also determined to make a big difference in her new role as she issued a plea. Stating that there’s “plenty more to be done”, she urged people to “support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today”.

“Because by ensuring that the next generation of children can thrive, we can help to build a stronger, healthier, and more nurturing society which benefits us all,” Kate powerfully concluded.