Kate Middleton’s efforts to support early childhood development have produced major results.
In 2023, the Princess of Wales took her passion for supporting early childhood to major business franchises so they could introduce measures to help kids and support new parents.
Kate launched the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood with the Royal Foundation for this purpose. Eight of the leading businesses in the U.K., including Deloitte, Iceland Foods, Natwest Group, and IKEA UK and Ireland, were part of the initiative.
The taskforce’s work has inspired Deloitte to introduce paternal leave for new fathers, which is the same as that’s offered to new mothers.
Similarly, LEGO Group began donating Build Me ‘Emotions’ sets to early years providers and Natest has begun producing tools to support nurseries in a sustainable way.
Celebrating their success, Taskforce chair Sir Ron Kalifa said: “Businesses of every shape and size – from high-street shops to global enterprises – hold unique and powerful touchpoints: as employers, as providers of goods and services, and as pillars of the communities they proudly serve.”
“These roles aren’t just business functions – they’re incredible platforms for meaningful action. At The Royal Foundation, we are deeply proud that over the past year, members of our taskforce have shown such strong leadership and risen to this challenge,” he continued.
“By continuing to work hand-in-hand, we have the chance to reimagine the role of business in society – not just as engines of economic activity, but as champions of childhood, wellbeing, and long-term societal health,” he added.
