Princess Kate Champions Early Education Report Amid Brave Cancer Battle, Thanks Business Leaders for Their Support

The Princess of Wales Has Endorsed a Significant report on the Impact of early years education, affirming her commitment to this crucial area even as she continues her cancer treatment.

Despite being off work, Kate was thoroughly briefed on the findings of a business-led task force she established last year with major UK employers. The Princess expressed her gratitude to the business leaders who authored the report, which focuses on how businesses can better support children from birth to five years old. She has been kept fully informed about their progress.

“I know, having briefed The Princess on this, that she is enormously grateful to the members of the Taskforce who have made such fantastic progress on this work over the past year,” said Christian Guy, who runs The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, reported from Hello!.

Mr. Guy described the report as “another crucial moment” for Kate’s early childhood work. “Its impact, and the work of her Centre for Early Childhood, is rolling on as she recovers,” he added.

However, staff at Kensington Palace emphasized that the release of the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce report should not be misinterpreted as Kate’s return to work. A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales clarified that her projects are “always on,” and this has remained consistent over the past five months, with substantial progress being made, via People.

“The Princess of Wales was the driving force behind the Taskforce,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the announcement “should not be seen or reported on as Her Royal Highness returning to work.”

The business leaders assembled by Kate include executives from major companies such as Aviva, NatWest, Ikea, Lego, and Unilever. Their report concluded that proper business investment in Early Years Education—targeting children up to five years old—could generate £45 billion for the UK economy. This investment could be realized by supporting parents, enhancing business productivity and profitability, reducing the costs associated with addressing antisocial behavior stemming from poor early development, and increasing tax revenues for the government.

The Princess of Wales, who announced her cancer diagnosis before Easter, received a briefing on the report’s findings, although the specifics of this briefing were not disclosed. Sources from her office emphasize that she needs time and space to recover from her treatment and will return to work when her doctors give their approval.

Mr. Guy noted that the Princess was “excited” by the study’s findings. “For her, action is so important. It is a priority for our center and her work going forward,” he said.

Kensington Palace staff attended the report’s launch, but Kate was not present. This continued absence underscores her current focus on recovery, with the business task force’s work reflecting her ongoing influence and dedication to early childhood education.