The Princess of Wales visited Home-Start Oxford today to meet with volunteers and families who are using the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s animated films, which were launched over the summer. Kate was closely involved in the creation of the series, which aimed to help those working with families and carers understand the vital importance of social and emotional development.
At the time of its launch, a royal source said the Princess was extremely passionate about the project, which is seen as a key step in her work to raise awareness about the importance of a child’s early years development.
Today, Kate saw firsthand how the films are helping parents and young children to build strong relationships and overcome early-years challenges. She also spent time chatting with families about the impact Home-Start, which provides free, confidential support to families with young children, has had on their lives.
Staff and volunteers explained how the charity created vital opportunities for connection, compassion and support — helping families navigate difficulties and giving children the foundations they need to thrive.
The Princess’s visit comes just hours after she warned that excessive screen time is creating an “epidemic of disconnection” that disrupts family life.
In an essay co-authored with Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, Kate says that “we’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.”
She says that smartphones and computer screens have become a “constant distraction” in our lives, and are fuelling the epidemic of loneliness.