The Princess of Wales has called on people to 'prioritise love' in a heartfelt essay reflecting on her recent visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy. Writing in a week when the UK government banned social media for under-16s, she made a powerful plea for more 'genuine human connection' in a digital world.
In her essay, Kate described love as 'quiet and unconditional, built on time and patience', emphasising the importance of nurturing environments for children. She noted that her own children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are not allowed phones, and highlighted the prevalence of screens in modern life.
'In an increasingly digitalised world, where so much of life is mediated through screens, the need for genuine human connection has never been greater,' she wrote. The Princess stressed that spending time in nature or being creative can nurture skills like awareness, empathy, and love, which 'cannot be digitised'.
The essay was prompted by her immersion in the Reggio Emilia method, a child-centred educational approach. She praised the children she met for their 'natural openness' and 'ability to wonder, dream and play', adding that they gave her hope. Kate also highlighted the importance of early childhood development, aiming to lead a 'global conversation' on the issue.
Christian Guy, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, said the Princess wants the issue treated with 'the same urgency as climate change'. The Centre is embarking on a 'bold new global mission' to work with organisations worldwide, making early childhood a priority.
