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NEED TO KNOW
- Kate Middleton visited Home-Start Oxford to promote her Centre for Early Childhood’s animated film series
- The initiative underscores Prince William’s message that a secure, loving and stable childhood is essential for a child’s long-term well-being and helps prevent the challenges he experienced following his parents’ divorce
- The films are being rolled out across the U.K., reaching thousands of families
Kate Middleton is helping children under five thrive.
On Oct. 9, Kate visited Home-Start in Oxford to promote the latest initiative from her Centre for Early Childhood: an animated film series designed to support families in building social and emotional skills during a child’s first five years. The program underscores what Prince William recently described as “the most important thing in my life… family” and the lasting impact of a secure, loving childhood.
In a rare reflection on his own upbringing during his appearance on The Reluctant Traveler, William spoke about the effects of his parents’ divorce. “You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love… if you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall,” he said. Kate’s visit to Home-Start demonstrates how the couple is putting that philosophy into practice.
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
At the center, Kate — mother to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — spoke with parents and volunteers about how the mini-movies illustrate nurturing interactions and help children develop skills to navigate challenges later in life. Home-Start Oxford is part of a network of 175 charities supporting more than 60,000 families across the U.K.
During her visit, Kate joined a training session for volunteers, exploring how the films can be used in family support groups to strengthen connections between parents and young children. She also took part in a “Stay and Play” session, where families engaged in activities like dress-up, play-dough, tea parties and crafts, while benefiting from guidance from skilled Home-Start staff.
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
Kate recently shared a glimpse into her own home life, noting that her children spent the summer “crafting in every corner of the house” during the long vacation, highlighting her hands-on approach to early learning.
The Home-Start visit also gave Kate the opportunity to hear directly from parents about the support they receive through the network. More than 27 organizations are working with the Centre for Early Childhood to use the animated films and collect feedback, with plans to reach 400,000 practitioners across the U.K. over the next six months.
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Launched in August and available on the Centre for Early Childhood’s YouTube channel, the films are accompanied by science briefings and professional resources, equipping those who work with children to have meaningful conversations with parents and carers about social and emotional development.