The Princess of Wales has opened up about the ‘unseen’ mental health battles during pregnancy in an emotional letter penned to a charity. Kate, 43, has been patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) since 2022 and personally wrote the correspondence to coincide with their new photographic exhibition, This Is Also Motherhood, on display this week at Phillips in London . Signing the letter as ‘Catherine’ and using her royal monogram at the top, Kate opened up about the importance of championing those navigating perinatal mental health problems and having ‘love, hope, and compassion’ in doing so.
Kate Middleton opens up about ‘unseen’ mental health battles
‘Their new photographic exhibition, “This is Also Motherhood”, explores the often unseen realities of mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond. ‘At the heart of this exhibition are ten extraordinary women. Their courage to speak openly about their experiences, whether marked by trauma, joy, or resilience, demonstrates the great vulnerability and strength of the human condition. ‘Through their portraits and letters, they remind us that no one should have to navigate the perinatal journey alone.’
Kate Middleton opens up about ‘unseen’ mental health battles
The MMHA is a UK-wide charity and network of more than 100 organisations, working to ensure women and families affected by perinatal mental problems have access to high-quality comprehensive care and support. The charity says around one in four women and one in ten fathers can be affected by perinatal mental illnesses. Left untreated, they can be devastating and even deadly, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Kate continued: ‘The exhibition is a testament to the MMHA’s core mission; ensuring every family in the UK gets the mental health care and support they need, before, during and after pregnancy.
Kate Middleton opens up about ‘unseen’ mental health battles
‘This is Also Motherhood’ reminds us that perinatal mental health problems can be overcome. Every parent’s story matters and every voice has the power to help build a society where love, hope, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.’ The mother-of-three has focused on early years support and mental health throughout her royal career. Kate has made the early years development of children one of the main pillars of her public role and her patronage with the MMHA complements the work she is trying to do through her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
Kate Middleton opens up about ‘unseen’ mental health battles
The charity wrote on Instagram: ‘We are honoured to have received this letter from our Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales. ‘Her support for ‘This is Also Motherhood’ and our hopes of normalising conversations about mental health within the early motherhood and parenthood journey is something we value so dearly across the MMHA team. ‘We’d love to share this letter with you, as it so beautifully summarises our hopes and ambitions for this new campaign and for the work of the MMHA. ‘This is Also Motherhood’ reminds us that perinatal mental health problems can be overcome. Every parent’s story matters and every voice has the power to help build a society where love, hope, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.’
In 2017, Kate opened up about her own experiences as a mother to her children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. She said: ‘It is lonely at times. You do feel quite isolated. ‘But actually so many other mothers are going through exactly what you’re going through. But it’s being brave enough, like you obviously were, to reach out.’ In a video message released with the MMHA on becoming patron in 2022, she said: ‘We all know that pregnancy, childbirth and the first months and years of a child’s life can be hugely demanding. Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years.
Kate Middleton opens up about ‘unseen’ mental health battles
‘Around 20 per cent of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. ‘Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence. No one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression during this time.’ She added: ‘There is plenty more to be done. And it’s down to each and every one of us to support parents and carers, and all those who are raising children today. ‘Because by ensuring that the next generation of children can thrive, we can help to build a stronger, healthier and more nurturing society which benefits us all.’
Shortly afterwards, Kate undertook a visit to the Colham Manor Children’s Centre to learn more about maternal mental health, in a visit also hosted by the MMHA. At the time, Luciana Berger, chair of the MMHA, which was founded in 2011, said they were ‘honoured’ Kate had become their patron. She added: ‘The duchess’s longstanding dedication to the early years and keen interest in mental health marry beautifully with the Alliance’s mission to ensure every mum, baby and family affected by perinatal mental health problems can access the right care and support necessary. ‘We look forward to working with the duchess to make this goal a reality for all.’
