‘Excited’ Princess Kate shares update on what she’s been working on behind the scenes while undergoing cancer treatment
THE Princess of Wales is “excited” after being well enough to be briefed on the findings of a taskforce she set up to help the under 5s.
Kate, 42, has yet to return to her public role four months after undergoing hospital surgery and later revealing she is undergoing preventative treatment for cancer.
But she has read a 60-page report on her early years project and said to have been “kept up-to-date” with the work which is published today.
The mum-of-three launched The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood in March last year.
In a speech at Natwest HQ she said it was time to think ‘radically’ in order to create a workforce that is ‘resilient, flexible and able to work through differences with each other’.
She added: “The healthy development of our children relies on healthy adults.”
The report published today (Tue) suggests investing in early years could generate at least £45.5bn into the national economy each year – the equivalent of 25 per cent of government annual spending on the NHS.
Eight major firms – including Iceland, Ikea, Lego and Natwest – have signed up to follow the report’s findings.
The Princess of Wales is said to be keen to see “momentum grow in the coming months and years” as the project she created “is rolling on as she recovers.”
A spokesman for the Princess of Wales said: “This should not be seen as the Princess of Wales returning to work.
“The work of the prince and princess’s projects are always on. That is no different at The Centre for Early Childhood Over the past five months there has been a huge deal of progress.
“However, early childhood is a huge priority for the Princess of Wales.
“She has been kept fully up to date throughout the process and the development of the task force’s work and she has seen the report.”
Kate set up the task force last year and left it in the hands of businesses to develop the report for the Royal Foundation.
Although Kate is not meddling in government policy, it is understood the centre has shown the report and findings to 10 Downing Street and departments of Health and Education.
Christian Guy, executive director of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said: “I know, having briefed the princess on this, that she is enormously grateful to the members of taskforce who have made such fantastic progress on this work over the last yea.
“She feels passionately about the transformational impact of getting this right, together with business both for current and generation and many more to come.
“And I know she is keen to encourage all businesses, no matter what their size of purpose, to join us on the journey.
“She is looking forward to seeing momentum grow in the coming months and years ahead.”
Kensington Palace's original statement on Kate Middleton's surgery
KENSINGTON Palace released a statement in January after Kate had undergone surgery.
Sources made it clear Kate would be out of action until at least Easter.
The palace said: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate.
“She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.
“The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
“She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
Christian added: “She’s excited by it, to have eight of the most significant businesses in Britain come forward to make the case to their fellow business leaders is vital and exciting for her and priority going forward for our centre and her work.
“When she launched it, she really challenged businesses to go beyond the usual thinking.
“That’s why these five areas are set out including social and emotional skills.
“We often hear businesses talk about why they are so important, but we do wait a long time before we focus on them in our system.
“The science shows us they are crucial in early years so she is very excited about that in particular.
“Businesses are saying we want to get involved, invest and shape the future workforce now.”
Kate set up the centre to encourage businesses to prioritise early years and produce a bridge between science and UK businesses.
Proposals announced today include changing business culture to prioritise early childhood, help families access basic support, offer parents greater support and flexibility at work, strengthen social and emotional skills, and support initiatives that increase access to care.
Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate
EXPERT analysis by author and royal expert, Ingrid Seward:
Steadfast when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he might not have been present during Kate’s courageous video address — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.
William has stepped up with school-run duties and provided a “great source of comfort and reassurance” to his wife.
But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.
From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
But ultimately he is only human.
To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer in such quick succession is heart-shattering.
It’s a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.
Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by the nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.
He will make that his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the Queen was young.
William’s priority is his family
It was a man’s world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father’s presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.
The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.
Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.
William is determined to do things differently.