Royals

Kate Middleton Steps Out for Children's Mental Health Week — After Brother Reveals Depression Battle

Princess Kate has put mental health at the forefront of her public work and recently set up a steering group of academics and experts to help advise her on the best ways forward in tackling the problem

Published on February 5, 2019 07:01 AM

Kate Middleton went back to school on Tuesday as she took the next step in her fight to help improve the mental health of children.

The royal mom of three, 37, headed to two schools in London as she learns more about the support offered to students, teachers and parents to help aid in mental well-being.

Wearing a bright green dress by Eponine and heeled black boots as well as Kiki McDonough earrings, Princess Kate started her morning at Lavender Primary School, Enfield, London. The visit is in support of Children’s Mental Health Week, which is run by one of her charities, Place2Be. Place2Be works in more than 280 elementary and secondary schools to provide in-school support and expert training to improve the emotional well-being of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge visits schools in support of Children's Mental Health, London, UK - 05 Feb 2019 — Kate Middleton. Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

She sat in on two lessons that concentrated on the importance of both physical and mental health and watched as students took part in the school’s Daily Mile challenge, which encourages kids to be active.

The Duchess Of Cambridge Visits Schools In Support Of Children's Mental Health — Kate Middleton. Neil Mockford/Getty Images

And in an important move for parents concerned about their children’s screen time and use of social media, Kate also took part in a discussion about encouraging good routines and habits around sleep, screen time, healthy eating and exercise.

Kate also took part in an activity where students shared objects that represent something that makes them feel good. She brought a picture of her family – their 2018 Christmas card photo, which features Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, 9 months, posing happily along with their parents – as her item!

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The royal mom was also treated to a singing performance from the young students.

Now in its fifth year, this year’s Children’s Mental Health week is based on the theme of “Healthy: Inside and Out” — focusing on the connection between physical and mental health.

Duchess of Cambridge visits London schools — Kate Middleton. Kirsty O'Connor/PA Images via Getty Images

Kate’s second stop of the day was to Alperton Community School, where she joined a discussion with teachers about kids’ school readiness and teacher welfare and took part in pupils’ Random Acts of Kindness Club, an extra-curricular club focussing on the well-being of the school community.

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She also viewed an art class to learn how the school uses art to enhance children’s confidence and creativity.

Kate has put mental health at the forefront of her public work and recently set up a steering group of academics and experts to help advise her on the best ways forward in tackling the problem, and help support parents and families.

Her younger brother, James Middleton, recently spoke out about his own battle with depression, revealing: “I know I’m richly blessed and live a privileged life. But it did not make me immune to depression. It is tricky to describe the condition. It is not merely sadness. It is an illness, a cancer of the mind.”

James said he felt compelled to follow the lead of his sister Kate, brother-in-law Prince William and Prince Harry, who have been strong advocates for mental health.

“They believe we can only tackle the stigma associated with mental illness if we have the courage to change the national conversation, to expel its negative associations.”