Children's champion WHY KATE HAD TO SPEAK OUT

The duchess risked palace protocol to make the case for kids worldwide

-  Judy Kean

It’s not really the done thing. Members of the royal family are supposed to keep out of politics, but it seems Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is bending the rules to support a cause she’s passionate about.

Kate hosted a groundbreaking round table meeting with UK politicians – including the British Health Secretary and the Minister for Families – and officials from government departments to bring the issue of early childhood development, and the impact it can have on mental health, to their attention.

She did not mince her words as she called for mental and physical health education to be given equal priority to tackle today’s “toughest social challenges”, suggesting that addiction, self-harm, and suicide could be avoided later in life if children were taught at a young age to properly manage their emotions.

The mum-of-three, who founded The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood last year, called the meeting to discuss the results of a nationwide survey commissioned by that organisation, which showed people are keen to see children’s mental health prioritised.

Children’s health advocates and mental health campaigners have praised her for taking a stand on such an important subject, but some royal experts say getting politicians involved was a mistake. Royal writer Christopher Wilson says members of the Queen’s family, especially the younger generation, need to be wary of being seen to be trying to influence government policy.