Duchess Kate embarks on UK tour for childhood survey
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chats with parents and children during her visit to the Ely & Caerau Children's Centre in Cardiff, south Wales, Britain, January 22, 2020. Geoff Caddick/Pool via Reuters
Britain's duchess Kate, the wife of Prince William, embarked on a short tour of the country to launch a survey on people's views on bringing up children, as the royals carry on with official duties in the wake of the rift over Prince Harry.
The Duchess of Cambridge, as she is officially known, started the "5 big questions on the under 5s" initiative in Birmingham in central England on Tuesday and visited Cardiff on Wednesday. She was later due to visit a women's prison in Surrey, south of the British capital.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chats with a mother and her child during her visit to the Ely & Caerau Children's Centre in Cardiff, south Wales, Britain, January 22, 2020. Geoff Caddick/Pool via Reuters
The tour comes as William's younger brother Harry flew back to Canada after sparking a crisis in the British monarchy by announcing he and his American wife Meghan wanted to reduce their royal duties and become financially independent.
The issue has dominated headlines in Britain over the last fortnight and culminated in a deal which means the couple will step down from their royal roles to spend most of their time in North America.
Meanwhile, William, 37, and Kate, 38, have continued with their official engagements, in keeping with the royals' determination to carry on with business as usual.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at Ely & Caerau Children's Centre in Cardiff, Britain, January 22, 2020. REUTERS/Rebecca Naden
On Tuesday, William attended a meeting of the United for Wildlife Taskforces, which aims to tackle the illegal trade in animal products, while Kate was at Birmingham's Science Museum to launch the survey, designed for people across the country to give their views about children's early lives.
On Wednesday, she attended a baby sensory class and will then travel to talk to inmates at the prison.
"Parents, carers and families are at the heart of caring for children in the formative years, so that is why I want to listen to them," Kate said at the launch.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chats with mothers during her visit to the Ely & Caerau Children's Centre in Cardiff, south Wales, Britain, January 22, 2020. Geoff Caddick/Pool via Reuters
The mother-of-three added: "As a parent I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children."
The aim of the survey, which contains five short questions such as "What do you believe is most important for children growing up in the UK today to have a happy adult life", is to provide a vital source of information and help bring about positive, lasting change, her Kensington Palace office said.
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, chats with a father during her visit to the Ely & Caerau Children's Centre in Cardiff, south Wales, Britain, January 22, 2020. Geoff Caddick/Pool via Reuters
(Writing by Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks with Morfudd Meredith, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan as she arrives at Ely & Caerau Children's Centre in Cardiff, Britain January 22, 2020. REUTERS/Rebecca NadenBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, reacts during a visit to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, talks to a girl during a visit to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, plays with children as she visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, talks to a boy during a visit to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolA girl smiles as Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/PoolBritain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, in Birmingham, Britain January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh/Pool
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