KATE'S GREAT CAMPAIGN

The Princess of Wales celebrates a three-year milestone for her Shaping Us initiative and greets members of the Red Roses rugby team

- JENNIFER NEWTON

It has long been described as her life’s work - and when it comes to highlighting just how important early childhood can be - the Princess of Wales is set to mark a special anniversary later this month.

It is exactly three years since Kate launched her Shaping Us campaign, which aims to improve society’s understanding of the importance of early childhood in shaping adulthood and society as a whole.

Ever since the campaign began back in 2023 with one of the most important speeches of her royal career, the princess has continued to highlight how children’s earliest experiences before the age of five can directly affect their later lives.

The project has attracted support from countless celebrities, from the likes of podcaster Giovanna Fletcher and TV host Roman Kemp to even former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate.

Of course, just a year into the special campaign, Kate was dealt the devastating blow of being diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy treatment, meaning her work had to be put on the back burner.

Now a year since she revealed the news she is in remission - and with those at the Centre for Early Childhood working hard to keep the campaign going in her absence - royal expert Jennie Bond tells OK! that it seems Kate’s cancer journey has reinforced her determination in helping the youngest in society. and of finding joy in the simple things in life. Catherine now holds a deep belief in the power of nature, the need for us all to feel the connection with this world we live in and the fundamental importance of helping children explore that connection.”