Princess Kate champions the importance of fathers in children’s early years as she looks to raise awareness about the role men play in youngsters’ development

The Princess of Wales is set to draw attention to the importance of fathers in children's early years.

Kate has met with a number of fathers' groups during plans to raise awareness of the role men play at the start of young people's lives.

She has consulted industry experts to find out how best to raise awareness of the issue, attract more fathers to parenting groups and support their mental health.

Research from the Princess's Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood found that only 19 percent of the population could see the period between pregnancy and the age of five as the most important for shaping a child's future. While one in four women did this, this was matched by only 14 percent of men.

Kate's decision to focus more on fatherhood follows her visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club in Berkshire in June to talk to men about their experiences as new dads.

Rugby star Ugo Monye is among prominent figures supporting the Princess's Shaping Us campaign, which raises awareness of the importance of early childhood.

Monye said he was “very impressed by Her Royal Highness and her dedication to an issue that connects so many of us.”

Christian Guy, executive director of the Royal Foundation Center for Early Childhood, told the Daily Telegraph: 'There remains a real need to provide information, advice and support to men about the important role they can play in the first days, weeks and months. – and even before the baby is born – which is such an important period for development and begins to lay the foundation for the rest of their lives.'