The Princess of Wales has underscored the critical importance of "genuine human connection" in an increasingly digital age where much of life is lived through screens.
Her comments, made in an essay reflecting on a recent visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy, addressed the challenges of a "digitalised world" and argue that the necessity for connection has never been more pronounced.
During her trip, the Princess observed the globally recognised, innovative approaches to early childhood education employed by the Italian city. A staunch advocate for early years development, the Princess emphasised that for children to "thrive in the world today", they must be nurtured within "loving environments".
Her comments are made against the backdrop of a societal and political shift against the prolonged use of smartphones and tablets by children and exposure to social media for teenagers.
In her essay Kate wrote about her time in Italy: “The people of Reggio Emilia have shown that happy childhoods are the foundation of happy communities, and that genuine connection begins with listening and understanding.
“In an increasingly digitalised world, where so much of life is mediated through screens, the need for genuine human connection has never been greater.”
Sir Keir Starmer announced a social media ban for under-16s on Monday, expected to be in place by next spring, and earlier this month the Government launched a three-week call for evidence to produce guidance for parents on how long under-16s should watch TV, phone and tablet screens.
The Prince of Wales revealed in an interview last year that they do not allow Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and eight-year-old Prince Louis to have mobile phones.
The princess wrote in her essay, published on the website of her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood: “By spending time in nature or being creative, we can nurture the very skills and emotions that cannot be digitised: awareness, empathy, humility, and above all, love.
“These foundational qualities help us relate to others, understand our place in the world, and ultimately find meaning in life.
“All of them echo a way of being we knew instinctively in childhood, marked by openness, curiosity and emotional immediacy.”
The natural world played an important role in the princess’s cancer journey, offering her solace, with Kate said to have walked and swam outdoors during and after her treatment for the disease.
And she has spoken about her creative pursuits, whether it is baking or her interest in sewing.
Kate made a two-day visit to Reggio Emilia in April, described at the time by aides as the start of the princess taking her early years crusade around the world with vigour following her cancer experience.
She learned about the Reggio Emilia Approach, named after the city that pioneered the teaching method, that stresses the importance of the parents, educators and environment – “the third teacher” – that surround a child.
In her essay the princess suggested adults “might try to rediscover” their childhood when “mind, body and spirit” existed together.
Kate concluded by recounting a conversation she had with a fellow parent from Lambrook School in Berkshire where George, Charlotte and Louis are taught.
She said: “Last week, a parent at my children’s school asked me if we could all do just one thing, what would it be? My answer is simple: to prioritise love.
“I’m not talking about overly sentimental and romantic gestures, but love that is quiet and unconditional, built on time and patience: the joy found in ordinary things; the everyday magic of life itself.”
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