Kate drops major new project hours after Harry and Meghan’s UK appearance

The Princess of Wales announced a new project hours after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first joint UK appearance.

The project is a new initiative launched in partnership with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood that will examine how nature can support a child’s health development and lifelong wellbeing, a topic the outdoors-loving royal has long championed publicly and in her own home.

Catherine, 44, outlined the initiative in a video message shared on social media.

“New scientific research increasingly shows just how important nature is for our psychological and physiological wellbeing,” the royal began.

“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.

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“This project is about exploring how nature, creativity and relationships can best support the healthy development of babies and young children.

“We believe that taking a whole-child approach is important, and nature becomes a wonderful place to explore how we can successfully nurture the social and emotional skills that underpin lifelong health and wellbeing.”

She ended her video message by saying: “My hope is that through this practical, nature-based research, we can build supportive environments that help make nature more accessible, benefiting babies, young children and their families across the UK.”

A new program based on the findings is expected to be launched in 2027.

The royal’s video message was filmed during a recent visit to Cornwall where she learned more about the potential of nature-based learning in a child’s early years.

Prince William accompanied her on the visit and has reportedly taken a keen interest in the project.

Three new portraits of the princess, taken by royal photographer Josh Shinner in Cornwall on Thursday, were released by Kensington Palace to coincide with the announcement.

The video and photos were shared just hours after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in the UK, visiting locals and charities in Nottingham, a sign that for the British royals it is business as usual.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s ongoing roles in the UK remain unclear, despite a directive from King Charles stressing that they are “private citizens” and not working royals.

Tensions between brothers Prince William and Prince Harry continue, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not expected to join the royals for formal Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

It is likely that Harry and Meghan will visit with King Charles and Queen Camilla privately with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as they did earlier in the year.