Kate Middleton opens Children in Need with impassioned speech as she ramps up her early years crusade

The Princess of Wales became a guest presenter as she opened the BBC’s annual Children in Need appeal this evening.

Kate, 41, was the surprise opening act of the annual charity fundraiser in a video message.

Wearing a favorite £175 blue blouse, studded with rainbows from London brand Lisou, she told the crowd: ‘Hello everyone. I’m delighted that Children in Need has invited me to open tonight’s show.’

Her appearance came at just the right time, given her historic speech earlier this week on the importance of early childhood and the impact experiences between birth and five can have on adult life.

“Tonight is all about helping support, advocate and empower all children to be the best they can be, which is crucial to their future health and happiness,” the mother of three explained.

The Princess of Wales, 41, made a surprise appearance as she opened BBC’s Children in Need this week

‘Our relationships, environment and experiences during the early years form the basis that shapes the rest of our lives.

‘And yet, unfortunately, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause damage and can take many years to overcome.’

She concluded: ‘It is therefore crucial that we cherish every childhood and why the type of projects supported by Children in Need are so important.

‘They help the youngest, most vulnerable members of our society to feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhood now and grow to achieve their potential and in later life in the world to thrive.

Mum-of-three Kate stepped up her Early Years campaign this week with a Shaping Us symposium in London

‘I hope you enjoy tonight’s show and good luck to everyone taking part in the challenges and incredible fundraising.’

It is the first time the future queen has taken part in a television fundraising campaign such as Children in Need, which is expected to raise more than £35 million this year.

On Wednesday in London, the Princess hosted a symposium with early childhood experts from around the world as part of a “global listening exercise” aimed at highlighting why the first few years of childhood are so important in laying the foundations for a happy and healthy adult. lives.

In a speech, Kate called for ‘action at every level’ to support the next generation, arguing that growing up in a nurturing environment is as important to children’s development as learning to read and write.

She explained that after several years of talking to people whose lives had reached a crisis point, she realized there was a common theme.

Many people in prison rehabilitation programs or addiction recovery centers, as well as those affected by homelessness or mental health issues, pointed to a lack of “safety, belonging and love” in early childhood.

‘Somehow these deep-seated needs are not always met by the societies we create, and the effects are visible all around us – with poor mental health, anxiety, depression, abuse and addiction all too common ‘, she said.

The princess added that it was not enough to “simply wish for a better world” and that intervening in childhood offered a “golden opportunity” for change.