The Princess of Wales delighted families and healthcare workers during a visit to Chase Community Hospital in Hampshire on Wednesday, where she met babies and learned more about efforts to improve infant mental health.
Kate, 44, appeared in a tweed suit for the engagement, which focused on the introduction of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB), a screening tool used by health visitors to identify early signs of withdrawal in babies and young children aged between zero and 24 months.
During the visit, the Princess observed a baby health and development review before meeting families who had received support following an ADBB assessment.
She also spent time with healthcare professionals and NHS representatives who are exploring ways to introduce the programme within their own services.
Princess’s Interest in Programme Dates Back to Denmark Visit
Kate’s involvement in the initiative follows a visit to Denmark in February 2022 with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
During the trip, she observed the use of the Alarm Distress Baby Scale at the University of Copenhagen’s Infant Mental Health Project.
Impressed by the work being carried out, the Princess subsequently asked the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to investigate how the approach could be introduced in the UK.
Her visit to Chase Community Hospital offered an opportunity to see how the initiative has developed and the difference it is making for families.
£250,000 Investment to Expand ADBB Across the UK
The ADBB programme forms part of the Centre’s wider efforts to strengthen the early years workforce and improve support for parents and carers responsible for nurturing children’s development.
This summer, the Centre announced a three-year investment of £250,000 to support the adoption of ADBB across the country, following two successful pilot phases involving ten NHS sites.
Chase Community Hospital is one of three health visiting teams within Hampshire NHS Trust participating in the second phase of the pilot.
The hospital has several specialist health visitors and staff working through its Growing Little Minds Infant Mental Health Service.
They have received ADBB training and are keen to extend the programme to the remaining 13 health visiting teams.
Kate’s Hospital Visit Follows Candid Cancer Recovery Interview
The engagement comes shortly after the Princess shared personal reflections about her cancer recovery in a special commemorative edition of Country Life magazine, guest-edited by Prince William and released on November 11.
In an interview with acclaimed author Robert Macfarlane, Kate discussed the importance of nature during her recovery following her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
She recalled being told in hospital that her recovery would not follow a straightforward path.
“I was told in hospital that my recovery would not be linear. There will be good days and bad days, that it will take time. This is the same in Nature,” she said.
Asked where she finds hope, the Princess identified the lessons offered by nature, explaining that they remind people they are not alone and remain connected to something greater than themselves.
Describing nature as a quiet teacher during difficult periods, she also highlighted the importance of having trusted people and peaceful environments for support.
Princess Shares Parenting Approach With George, Charlotte and Louis
During the interview, Kate also offered a glimpse into her approach to raising her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
She explained that she tries to give them the freedom to explore rather than constantly directing what they should see or think.
The Princess appeared in a Ralph Lauren Schmitt Herringbone Tweed Jacket for the interview, which she paired with a ribbed crew-neck sweater, a Brora blouse and an Emilia Wickstead skirt.
She completed the outfit with her sentimental Cartier Trinity hoop earrings.
Kate Continues Campaign to Connect Young Children With Nature
The Hampshire engagement also follows the launch of a new project by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood examining how nature can support the social and emotional development of babies and young children.
In a video message shared on October 16, Kate encouraged parents to prioritise outdoor activities and spend quality time with their children away from digital devices.
“Nature is such an extraordinary environment for us all and, in this tech-driven, digital age, spending quality time outdoors has never been more important,” she said.
She explained that the project would investigate how nature, creativity and relationships could contribute to the healthy development of young children.
The initiative will bring together academics, early years practitioners, charities and environmental organisations to examine evidence and practical experiences from the UK and other parts of the world.
It will also explore how nature-rich environments can help children become confident, curious, creative and emotionally healthy.
Kate said she hoped the research would help create supportive environments that make nature more accessible to babies, young children and their families across the UK.
Kensington Palace also released a series of new countryside portraits of the Princess, photographed by Josh Shinner, as part of the initiative.
Princess Highlights Importance of Early Childhood Development
Kate established the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021, making the development and wellbeing of babies and young children a central part of her public work.
Through its programmes, the Centre seeks to improve understanding of the early years and encourage greater support for families, parents and carers.
The ADBB initiative and the new nature-focused project form part of those continuing efforts to strengthen the foundations of children’s social, emotional and mental development.
