The Duchess of Cambridge carried out an important engagement on Thursday as she hosted a roundtable event on early childhood development – a cause close to her heart.
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Kate hosted the discussion that largely focused on findings by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which showed that nine in ten people agree that early years are important in shaping children's lives, but less than a fifth recognise the importance of children's development from birth to the age of five.
WATCH: Kate Middleton hosts event close to her heart
The research also found that seven in ten people believe early years development should be more of a priority for society, while over half recognise that future mental health is the most likely part of adult life to be affected by one's early years.
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Kate hosted a roundtable event on early childhood development
At the event, Kate, who looked gorgeous in a pink suit, welcomed Health Secretary Sajid Javid, families minister Will Quince, representatives from the early years sector, and officials from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.
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"We know that only a minority of people understand the critical importance of the first five years of a child's life, and this is what we really do need to change," Kate said during the roundtable.
The event focused on findings by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood
"If we can teach children to manage their emotions and feelings at a young age, it will help them avoid having to turn to addiction, self-harm or suicide even in later life.
"Together we have a huge opportunity here to help shape the future."
She rocked a pink suit for the meeting
Following the publication of the report, the Duchess said: "Our experiences in early childhood fundamentally impact our whole life and set the foundation for how we go on to thrive as individuals, with one another, as a community and as a society.
"The findings published today present us with a huge opportunity and demonstrate there is a real appetite from the public to bring this issue up on all of our agendas.
"Our experiences in early childhood fundamentally impact our whole life," said Kate
"There is more we can all do – every member of society can play a key role, whether that is directly with a child or by investing in the adults around them – the parents, the carers, the early years workforce and more."
She welcomed Health Secretary Sajid Javid and representatives from the early years sector
Kate is passionate about children's mental health and the early years and in June 2021, she launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of early years experiences in shaping society over the long term.
Her interest even took her to Denmark where she learnt more about the country's investment in early childhood development.
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