The Princess of Wales met Melinda French Gates on October 8 to discuss a new collaboration, and a statement on the partnership has drawn attention for its reference to Heads Together, the mental health campaign she launched in 2016 with Prince William and Prince Harry.
Meeting with Melinda French Gates
Kensington Palace shared details of the engagement, which took place during the Wales family's private half-term school break. Princess Catherine met Melinda French Gates, the founder of Pivotal, an organisation supporting women and young people. The partnership aligns with the Princess's work through The Royal Foundation for Early Childhood.
Nod to Prince Harry
Christian Guy, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation for Early Childhood, spoke of the collaboration by referencing Heads Together, the historic mental health campaign launched in 2016 by Prince William, Princess Catherine, and Prince Harry.
Mr Guy explained: "Building on the work of Heads Together, The Centre for Early Childhood, Pivotal's focus in the United States and the efforts of many others across the field, we considered what more could be done to strengthen young people's wellbeing, belonging and ability to thrive throughout life."
Shared vision for young people
Mr Guy revealed that Princess Catherine and Melinda French Gates shared a "particular energy" during their talks, united by a "shared belief that while today's children face considerable challenges, they also carry extraordinary potential."
The Royal Foundation for Early Childhood and Pivotal will continue to join forces, aiming to support young people through "a time of division, disconnection and uncertainty." Looking to the future, Mr Guy added: "With supportive relationships, a sense of belonging and opportunities to discover who they are and what they might contribute, every young person can build the confidence, resilience and sense of purpose they need for the future."
