The key facts
- Catherine launched a project on nature's influence on the emotional and social development of young children
- The project is run through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood; funding has not yet been announced
- The Duchy of Cornwall may provide venues for educational visits
The Princess of Wales's new project
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has launched a project promoting the use of nature for the social and emotional development of young children. The initiative is being carried out under the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and marks another stage in her campaign to raise the status of early years education and improve children's wellbeing.
Quotes and goals of the project
“This project is about how nature, creativity and relationships can best support the healthy development of infants and young children,” Catherine said. According to her, a “holistic” approach to the child matters, and nature is a wonderful space for developing the social and emotional skills that underpin lifelong health and wellbeing. She expressed hope that hands-on research in nature will help create a supportive environment and make nature more accessible to young children and families across the UK.
Context: nature and recovery
In a social media post, Catherine noted that in a “technological, digital age” quality time outdoors matters more than ever, and research shows the importance of nature for psychological and physiological wellbeing. During her own recovery after treatment for cancer, the Princess described nature as her “refuge” and, in a series of videos about the changing seasons, spoke of its benefits in almost spiritual terms. She has also previously warned of an “epidemic of disconnection” caused by an excess of technology disrupting family life.
Details and uncertainty
The Duchy of Cornwall may provide venues for educational visits under the project. The launch was marked by a new photograph of Catherine, taken on Thursday in Cornwall by photographer Josh Shinner. Earlier this year, the Princess travelled to Reggio Emilia in Italy for ideas for early education — the area has a well-developed system that puts relationships and learning through play at its core. Funding for the project has not yet been announced; Catherine is using her status to promote a cause she once called her “life's work”.
Image source, Josh Shinner
A new photo of the Princess of Wales was released with the early years project
