The Princess of Wales has shared a deeply personal letter discussing the often hidden mental health struggles women face during pregnancy and early motherhood. Catherine, who has served as patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance since 2022, wrote the heartfelt correspondence to mark the charity's new photographic exhibition.
Royal Support for Maternal Mental Health
In her letter, signed simply as 'Catherine' and featuring her royal monogram, the Princess emphasised the crucial importance of supporting those experiencing perinatal mental health problems. She highlighted the need for love, hope, and compassion when addressing these challenges that affect countless families across the UK.
The exhibition, titled This Is Also Motherhood, is created by artist Carolyn Mendelsohn and features ten women sharing their personal experiences through portrait photography, still life compositions and audio recordings. Displayed this week at Phillips in London, the project aims to shed light on the realities many parents face but seldom discuss openly.
The Hidden Reality of Perinatal Mental Health
The Maternal Mental Health Alliance, a UK-wide network of more than 100 organisations, shared Catherine's letter on their Instagram account, describing themselves as honoured to receive her support. They expressed hope that her involvement would help normalise conversations about mental health during early parenthood.
Statistics from the charity reveal the scale of this hidden crisis: approximately one in four women and one in ten fathers experience perinatal mental illnesses. Without proper treatment, these conditions can have devastating consequences, but with appropriate support, recovery is achievable.
In her letter, Catherine wrote: "The courage to speak openly about their experiences, whether marked by trauma, joy, or resilience, demonstrates the great vulnerability and strength of the human condition. They remind us that no one should have to navigate the perinatal journey alone."
Building a Compassionate Society
The mother-of-three has consistently focused on early years development and mental health throughout her royal career. Her patronage with the MMHA complements work conducted through her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, establishing this area as a cornerstone of her public role.
This isn't the first time Catherine has spoken about the challenges of motherhood. Back in 2017, she acknowledged feeling lonely and isolated at times while raising her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. She encouraged other parents to be brave enough to reach out for support, noting that many others experience similar struggles.
During her 2022 video message announcing her patronage, the Princess stated: "Around 20 per cent of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence. No one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression during this time."
The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder that perinatal mental health problems can be overcome, and that every parent's story contributes to building a more supportive society where compassion remains at the forefront of community values.
