The Princess of Wales got sporty to talk about mental health on a visit to the Maidenhead Rugby Club on 7 June.
Catherine’s visit coincided with new research from the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood that revealed that, although there is an increase in awareness about the early years, men are less aware than women about the importance of a child’s first five years.
Professional and amateur rugby players joined the royal for practices and drills and then a conversation about mental health, early years, and fatherhood. Ugo Monye led the conversation on behalf of the rugby players, including Courtney Lawes and Danny Care.
During the drills, Maidenhead’s Chairman, Steven Bough, told People magazine: “She’s obviously been practising. Her ball skills and passing skills are very good. She was there, blending in, playing as one of the team. To be honest, I didn’t realize she was there half the time.”
In the roundtable discussion, Catherine revealed that educators led her down the path towards an early years focus.
“What started my journey looking into the first five years, was going into schools, talking to them about mental health,” Catherine said. “The staff were telling me that so much more needs to be done before they even step past their door. So many of those years are non-verbal. Teenagers can articulate how they feel.”
She added that she has chosen to focus on “the social and emotional development of young children, particularly in this critical period, because it’s the foundations of their healthy minds and healthy relationships later down the line.”
Catherine said about Shaping Us and the importance of raising awareness about the early years and establishing communities: “Every parent wants to do the best job they possibly can. But they don’t have the lifelines of their own family or community places such as this.”
Kensington Palace shared on social media: “During our early years, we begin to learn how to manage our emotions, build relationships, believe in ourselves, and develop resilience – lots of the traits you’d want in a great rugby player! Thanks for having us [Maidenhead Rugby Club]!”
Catherine became patron of the Rugby Football Union and England Rugby in 2022.