On the Day 3 of the Boston Visit, Catherine, The Princess of Wales visited the Developing Child Center at Harvard University as part of her legacy project Early years to meet with the researchers to discuss advances in science that can help children. The Princess of Wales has been championing the importance of the first five years of a child’s life for a long time and has been working with organizations and causes to show how those early years impact our adult life. If you have missed any of the Royal Action in Boston, you can catch up here.
The #PrincessofWales has arrived at the @HarvardCenter
Video by @julianamazzatv pic.twitter.com/JK5A7OhLE7
— RegalFille (@RegalFille) December 2, 2022
In June 2021, her legacy project reached a milestone when The Princess of Wales set up the Royal Foundation Center for the Early Years. The Research Centre is the result of Catherine’s 10 years working with charities, experts and parents whom she met since 2011. The centre is based at Kensington Palace.
The Princess of Wales is on a solo trip to The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University to meet experts and speak on her Early Years project on the final day of the Boston trip. pic.twitter.com/8QlmWnDODg
— Matt Wilkinson (@MattSunRoyal) December 2, 2022
Over the past 10 years, talking to a wide range of experts about how we deal with societal issues like poor mental and physical health, I have become more and more sure of one thing: if we are going to create a healthier and happier society for future generations, we must start by understanding and acknowledging the unique importance of the first five years of life. – The Princess of Wales
During her visit to the centre, The Princess of Wales met with the researchers to discuss the advances in science that can be harnessed to achieve a promising future for every child. In the videos shared on social media, we can see her taking notes on the discussion. The visit was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of collaboration between international organisations in showcasing and sharing best practices. Center Director, Jack Shonkoff described the visit as a “wonderful opportunity for shared learning as part of a global effort to improve life outcomes for young children.”
Last year for the first report of the centre ‘Big Changes Starts Small’, The Early Years centre collaborated with the London School of Economics and Harvard University. So this was anticipated since the first announcement of the visit was made. Today, The Princess was received by Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child and the Julius B. Richmond FAMRI Professor of Child Health and Development at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Graduate School of Education.
The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood will continue to work closely with colleagues at Harvard as the work of both teams progress.
Shonkoff founded the Harvard centre in 2006 with hopes of educating policymakers and building support for early investment in childhood development. Over time, the centre has become increasingly research-based, attempting to shape innovations for improved outcomes based on the early years of a child’s life.
The Center on the Developing Child’s diverse activities aligns around building a Research and Development platform for science-based innovation and transforming the policy and practice landscape that supports and even demands change. supports scientific research that can inform the testing, implementation, and refinement of strategies designed to achieve significantly better life outcomes for children facing adversity.
This is not the first time when The Princess of Wales has taken her work in the Early years overseas. Earlier this year she visited Denmark to learn about Danish techniques and innovations.
Catherine also met with Sasha, the HUPD Community Engagement Dog.
Before heading inside earlier in the morning, The Princess of Wales did a quick walkabout and met with the wellwishers gathered outside the centre.
On his part, Prince William will be visiting the JFK library to learn more about the Moonshot project and its legacy. In the evening, The Royal couple will lead a star-studded EarthShot Prize ceremony at the MGM Music Hall.
“I am an optimist. A stubborn optimist. I believe in the power of human ingenuity and I’m thrilled to bring The Earthshot Prize to the U.S… If it sounds ambitious, optimistic, and hopeful ― that’s because it is. This momentum is the output of just five of the 15 Earthshot finalists in 2021. They are living proof that the solutions we need do exist and that there are brilliant people across the globe working tirelessly to reverse the current climate trajectory” – Prince William
Prince William penned an article in Huffington Post about Earthshot Prizes. You can read the full article here.
Earlier today, Kensington Palace shared three behind the scene pictures from last night’s award rehearsals. Guessing from the outfit The Princess of Wales is wearing in this shot, it seems the rehearsal took place after their visit to Piers Park with Boston Mayor.
Moving towards The Princess of Walse’s style of the day – The Princess chose an elegant look for the cold Boston morning. The Princess of Wales was wearing an Emilia Wickstead Miles Houndstooth Georgette Midi Dress. Thanks to UfoNoMore for the id.
The dress was the customised version of the dress shown above. Catherine had it made with long sleeves and gold button detailing at the waistline.
Catherine carried a Mulberry Harlow Small bag. Another quick id by UfoNoMore.
The Princess was wearing her black Gianvito Rossi 105 suede pumps.
Paying tribute to tonight’s event and one of the 2021 Earthshot nominees Coral Reef – The Princess of Wales wore Lenique Louis Spine Hoop Earrings.
Next, the Princess of Wales will be attending The Earthshot Prizes at the MGM Music Hall this evening.
