The Princess of Wales opened up about a classic parenting challenge as she met mothers and children on an outing to the University of East London on Wednesday.
Kate, 44, visited the university’s Institute of the Science of Early Years and Youth, as part of a new project for her Centre for Early Childhood, which she founded in 2021.
The royal looked stunning in a golden trouser suit by Roland Mouret, sweetly adding her beloved G, C, and L initial letter by Danielle Draper, featuring charms for each of her children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.
The Princess started her visit by chatting with Ashleigh, who was with her daughters Ella, five, Ava, two, and one-year-old Mia.
Kate opened up about being a parent in the modern age and discussed the challenges of ‘keeping up in real time’ as a parent with social media, along with new medical and scientific research. She also emphasised how important it is to have a “village” of support around as a parent.
“It sounds like you have really gone out there and sought those relationships and that knowledge for you as a family,’ the Princess said.
“Do the parents you chat to, are they interested in whether the guidance they are being given is founded on evidence? It does take energy and effort to go and find that village [ of support] for yourself.”
An important visit
Alongside her visit, the royal mother-of-three has launched a new online research project for those working with babies, young children, and families.
Foundations for Life: A Guide to Social and Emotional Development has been designed to strengthen understanding across the early years system.
© Samir Hussein./WireImageIn the foreword to the Guide, The Princess writes: “In a world which feels increasingly distracted, fragmented and digital… it is more important than ever to invest in what truly helps us to thrive: human connection.”
She added: “While our society often focuses on academic or physical milestones, research consistently shows that it is our earliest relationships, experiences and environments which lay the foundations for our future health and happiness.
“The quality of our connections – with ourselves, with others and with the world around us – shapes how safe we feel, how we relate, and how we process experiences throughout our lives.”
Prince William and Kate’s strict screentime rule
As can be seen from Kate’s comments during her visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales are being very careful when it comes to screentime for their children.
© Getty ImagesAnd in fact, they’ve chosen to keep them phone-free – at least for now.
While filming an episode of Apple TV’s The Reluctant Traveler in February 2025, Prince William revealed to Emmy winner Eugene Levy that none of his kids “have any phones,” adding that he and Catherine are “very strict about” that.
In an essay titled The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World, Kate said that smartphones, tablets and computers have become sources of “constant distraction”.
It’s a topic that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are very passionate about, and they have spoken openly about the dangers of social media.
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