'Raising children today is tough': Kate Middleton gives rare interview about difficulties parents face today

The Princess of Wales has joined a UK radio host for a rare interview, discussing the importance of raising children with "the right emotional support" as part of her new Shaping Us initiative.

In a new video released on Friday, Kate Middleton, 41, and mental health advocate Roman Kemp discuss the death of his best friend Joe Lyons by suicide, and the importance of ensuring children are raised with love.

"All you have to do is look around, especially, you know, at the country, and see people are not just struggling with raising kids, they're struggling with just putting a roof above their heads, to be able to heat their house," Roman explained.

"So, all of those things can come into play."

Watch the video above.

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The princess agreed, adding: "And this is the thing, is that every family is different. The pressures we face are all different, whilst raising the importance of early childhood.

"This isn't about putting extra pressure on families. It's actually saying they need the support and help reprioritising family life, home life and all that it takes in raising children today, because it is tough."

Kate spoke of the importance of "the relationships in a family" and "surrounding a child."

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"The environment in which you bring up a child is as important, as whereas the experiences you engage them with," the royal continued.

"It's not about the number of toys they've got, or the number of sort of trips that you go on with them.

"It's just making sure that they've got the right emotional support around them, and that comes from the adults in their lives."

The video has been released as part of Kate's new Shaping Us campaign, launched this week.

It aims to increase public understanding of the crucial importance the first five years of a child's life.

A new Instagram account has been launched in support of the cause, already attracting 46,000 followers.

Kate and Kemp teamed up following the release of his 2021 BBC Three documentary Our Silent Emergency which tackles the mental health crisis affecting young men in the UK.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are parents to three children – Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, seven, and Prince Louis, four.

William and Kate have made mental health a key part of their public work.

In 2022 the couple appeared on BBC's Radio 1 for World Mental Health Day on October 10. During this interview, they spoke of the importance of emotional well-being.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kid's Helpline on 1800 55 1800.