The Duchess Appeals For Understanding

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE, who generally leaves speech-making to her husband, has appeared in a new film for Place2Be, a children's mental health charity of which she is the patron.Sitting at a desk alongside four children in their school, the Duchess asks about how the organisation has helped them, whilst appealing for understanding about the issues faced by many children.

"Many of us are incredibly fortunate that the issues we face in childhood are ones we can cope with and learn from.But for some children, learning to cope with life's challenges can be a struggle," she said."While we cannot always change a child's circumstances, we can give them the tools to cope, and to thrive.With early support they can learn to manage their emotions and feelings and know when to seek help."

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Discussing with the children the ways in which they share their feelings and learn to process them - including through creating artwork - the Duchess reveals that both she and Prince William are keen believers in addressing issues early.

"Through my work in areas like addiction, I have seen time and again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood frequently stem from unresolved childhood issues.This needs to change," she added."William and I feel that every child deserves to be supported through difficult times in their lives.This Children's Mental Health Week we want to support schools to prioritise the emotional wellbeing of their children alongside academic success.By ensuring every child is given the emotional support they need, we are giving them a firm foundation for the happy, healthy future they deserve."

Also this weekend, the Duchess attended her first engagement in her role as honorary head of the RAF Air Cadets where she told one of the cadets, Lucinda Conder, that her son, Prince George, is now "obsessed" with the organisation and "wants to join".

The Duchess wore the Air Cadets Dacre brooch which has been presented to the best female cadet every year since 1982, when girls were first admitted, up until last year - The Telegraph reports - when it was agreed that girls should receive a sword like their male counterparts.

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