Latest news with #ShapingUsFramework
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kate Middleton Got LEGO and IKEA on Her Side — Inside Her Quiet Power Move for U.K. Families
Kate Middleton's mission to elevate early childhood as a national priority is making meaningful strides — with the business world increasingly on board. Through a series of new initiatives, Princess Kate's Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood has inspired major companies — from IKEA to leading banks and supermarkets — to roll out programs designed to better support parents and help children thrive. The momentum follows a landmark report released by the Princess of Wales last year, which outlined the urgent need to prioritize the early years. The report underscored that every child deserves a happy, healthy start in life — and that investing in early childhood isn't just the right thing to do, it's also smart economics. By supporting caregivers and families, the paper argued, businesses can reduce absenteeism, boost employee retention, and support mental health and wellbeing across the workforce — all while helping to raise a more resilient future generation. Since the report's release, each member of the Taskforce — which runs alongside Kate's broader Shaping Us campaign — has pledged to take action. Related: You May Have Missed Kate Middleton's Thoughtful Nod to Queen Elizabeth During Latest Outing in Monarch's Honor Kate Middleton's early childhood campaign is gaining real traction — with major businesses across the U.K. stepping up in meaningful ways. According to the Princess of Wales' office, LEGO has donated LEGO® Education Build Me 'Emotions' sets — designed to help children identify and understand their feelings — to early years providers throughout the U.K. IKEA has partnered with local baby banks to provide essential items to families in need and launched a product line that raised funds for the Baby Bank Alliance. NatWest bank expanded its lending capacity for early years care settings and created tools to help nurseries operate more sustainably. Supermarket chain Iceland has trained 30,000 staff to better support young families and collaborated with online forum Mumsnet to launch a range of toddler meals — a project that raised funds for Liverpool's Alder Hey Hospital and encourages healthy eating. Meanwhile, local grocery store Co-Op, inspired by Kate's Shaping Us Framework, is now working to help parents and carers better understand and foster children's social and emotional development. Much of this work continued behind the scenes during Kate's cancer treatment throughout 2024, though she remained closely informed — including on the release of last May's influential task force report. On May 18, Sir Ron Kalifa, Chair of the Taskforce, praised the progress made: '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." Related: Kate Middleton 'Excited' About Next Stage of Her Landmark Project, but It Doesn't Signal a Return to Work He added, '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. Their efforts have made a real, tangible difference in the lives of countless families with young children." 'And this is only the beginning of what's possible. The road ahead is bursting with potential," he said. "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.' Kate launched her Business Taskforce in March 2023 as part of her broader early years mission — and has recently begun a gradual return to public life after announcing in January that her cancer is in remission. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! On May 13, she stepped out in London to honor rising fashion talent at a design event, where winner Patrick McDowell, 29, told PEOPLE, "She was so interested to see the different crafts people were working on… She was genuinely interested to meet all of them and hear about what they do and how each of them contributes to the process of a fashion collection coming together." Later this week, she's expected to join her husband, Prince William, in Scotland to christen a new state-of-the-art anti-submarine warship, HMS Glasgow. Read the original article on People
STV News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
William and Kate arrive on Isle of Mull on wedding anniversary trip
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull to begin a two-day visit to the Scottish island. William and Kate are spending their 14th wedding anniversary on the popular tourist island on Tuesday, with the visit aimed at highlighting rural communities. Before the visit, two community spaces on the Isle of Mull received grants from the Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme. Aros Hall, situated in the heart of the main street in Tobermory in the north of the island, and Pennyghael Community Hall, in the rural Ross of Mull in the south, will benefit from the initiative. At Aros Hall, the 'Rainydays' play area will be refurbished and a soft play zone will be introduced. The play area is a space that local charity, Home-Start Lorn, regularly uses as part of its work to support parents and carers build strong bonds with their children. During their visit, William and Kate will talk to members of the team from Home-Start Lorn, to hear about how they are supporting families with young children to promote social and emotional development and using the Shaping Us Framework in this at Pennyghael Community Hall, indoor communal spaces will be renovated and vital roof repairs will take place to future-proof the building – ensuring that it continues to be utilised for generations to Beale, an interior designer and presenter of the BBC's Designing the Hebrides programme who lives in Mull, has volunteered his time, expertise and flare for creating special spaces to work with the community to bring the halls to life. Beale said: 'It's an absolute joy to be working with The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales to redesign and preserve these vital community spaces. 'Together, we're not just restoring old walls, we're reimagining what's possible when community and creativity come together. I'm excited to breathe new life into beloved buildings and celebrate the island's warmth, resilience, and quiet magic.' William and Kate are also due to meet craftspeople, farmers and residents during their visit to Mull. The couple were married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, with the eyes of the world watching the future king and queen. It is likely they will enjoy a romantic meal for two during their night on Mull after a day of official engagements. But it remains to be seen who will be doing the cooking at their undisclosed cottage. Life partners for more than 20 years, William and Kate met at the University of St Andrews in Fife and became friends first before embarking on a romance. Two years after their wedding, the couple had their first child, Prince George, then Princess Charlotte in 2015 and Prince Louis in 2018, and it appears their relationship remains strong after Kate's cancer treatment. The Isle of Mull is part of lands once ruled by the Lord of the Isles, one of a number of Scottish titles William inherited from his father when Charles became King and William the heir to the throne. When in Scotland, William and Kate are officially known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, and they will begin their visit on Tuesday in the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where the popular BBC children's TV series Balamory was filmed. The couple will visit a local hall that serves as a community hub and tour the Tobermory Producers Market, co-ordinated by the hall at Tobermory Harbour, sampling produce and meeting the makers and creators. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
New community partnerships mark William and Kate's visit to Isle of Mull
Two community spaces on the Isle of Mull will be upgraded after receiving grants from the Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme. The announcement comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales travel to the island to celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary. Aros Hall, situated in the heart of the main street in Tobermory in the north of the island, and Pennyghael Community Hall, in the rural Ross of Mull in the south, will benefit from the initiative. At Aros Hall, the 'Rainydays' play area will be refurbished and a soft play zone will be introduced. The play area is a space that local charity, Home-Start Lorn, regularly uses as part of its work to support parents and carers build strong bonds with their children. During their visit, William and Kate will talk to members of the team from Home-Start Lorn, to hear about how they are supporting families with young children to promote social and emotional development and using the Shaping Us Framework in this at Pennyghael Community Hall, indoor communal spaces will be renovated and vital roof repairs will take place to future-proof the building – ensuring that it continues to be utilised for generations to Beale, an interior designer and presenter of the BBC's Designing the Hebrides programme who lives in Mull, has volunteered his time, expertise and flare for creating special spaces to work with the community to bring the halls to life. Beale said: 'It's an absolute joy to be working with The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales to redesign and preserve these vital community spaces. 'Together, we're not just restoring old walls, we're reimagining what's possible when community and creativity come together. I'm excited to breathe new life into beloved buildings and celebrate the island's warmth, resilience, and quiet magic.' William and Kate are also due to meet craftspeople, farmers and residents during their visit to Mull. The couple were married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, with the eyes of the world watching the future king and queen. It is likely they will enjoy a romantic meal for two during their night on Mull after a day of official engagements. But it remains to be seen who will be doing the cooking at their undisclosed cottage. Life partners for more than 20 years, William and Kate met at the University of St Andrews in Fife and became friends first before embarking on a romance. Two years after their wedding, the couple had their first child, Prince George, then Princess Charlotte in 2015 and Prince Louis in 2018, and it appears their relationship remains strong after Kate's cancer treatment. The Isle of Mull is part of lands once ruled by the Lord of the Isles, one of a number of Scottish titles William inherited from his father when Charles became King and William the heir to the throne. When in Scotland, William and Kate are officially known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, and they will begin their visit on Tuesday in the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where the popular BBC children's TV series Balamory was filmed. The couple will visit a local hall that serves as a community hub and tour the Tobermory Producers Market, co-ordinated by the hall at Tobermory Harbour, sampling produce and meeting the makers and creators. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kensington Palace Just Posted a Gorgeous Photo of Kate Middleton Alone in the Woods
Just today, the royal family released a brand-new video of Prince William like we've never seen him before. But that wasn't the only royal post to hit social media. A few hours ago, the Kensington Palace Instagram account released its February Rewind, a social media review of the past month. By sharing pics and vids of Kate Middleton and her husband, it became clear that February was quite the busy month for the fam. Here are a few of the highlights from their Instagram Stories. Instagram / princeandprincessofwales The first slide was an intro slide from the palace. This was quickly followed by an image of Princess Catherine standing all alone in the forest. If it looks familiar, it's because we first got a glimpse of it in early February. The photo was originally shared in honor of World Cancer Day and came with a special note: "Don't forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease. C #WorldCancerDay." Instagram / princeandprincessofwales But what's more, the photo was credited to Catherine's youngest son, Prince Louis. By the looks of this striking pic, the young royal is already taking after his mom, who has a passion for photography. The snap shows the princess standing with her arms outstretched and in full winter gear in the middle of the woods. We then got a pic of the princess getting a glimpse of The Centre for Early Childhood's Shaping Us Framework—and showing off her new hair. Then, there was a glimpse of Prince William in Scotland... During the future monarch's trip to Scotland, he spent time at the Carnoustie and Monifieth Men's Shed. The initiative helps people develop new skills while fostering a strong sense of community. During the visit, he even rolled up his sleeves for a hands-on woodworking activity at East Screen Farm, gaining firsthand insight into the skills the organization teaches. The IG Stories also included a look at Princess Catherine visiting a mother and baby unit. Instagram / princeandprincessofwales The outing was a visit to HMP Styal, a prison and young offender institution that houses a unit run by one of Catherine's charities, Action for Children. According to its website, Action for Children's vision is "that every child and young person has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive." During the outing, the princess also was caught in a stunning photo walking in the rain. As always, the IG Stories concluded with a thank you message. Phew. And they say Princess Anne is the hardest working royal... Want all the latest royal news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here. The Royal Family Is Already Grooming Kate Middleton to Become Queen
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kate Middleton Shared Adorable Family Portraits Drawn by Her Children
Kate Middleton has shared a series of portraits hand-drawn by her children as part of a campaign for the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. In a post on their official Instagram, Prince William and Middleton shared portraits of various members of the family drawn by their children—and one drawn by her. Prince Louis, 6, and Princess Charlotte, 9, drew brightly colored portraits that appeared to depict their mother, while Prince George, 11, drew simple black-and-white sketch of his mother sitting in an armchair. Middleton also contributed a portrait—her pencil sketch appeared to show Louis with his eyes shut. The four portraits were drawn as part of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood's ongoing "Shaping Us" Framework, which aims to spread awareness about how young childrens' brains develop. "The @earlychildhood Shaping Us Framework describes the social and emotional skills which start to develop in early childhood. These skills are key throughout our lives, shaping who we are, how we manage our thoughts and emotions, how we communicate with and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us," read the caption on William and Middleton's post. "Drawing portraits with children can provide a moment of connection as you spend time looking at and focusing on one another, as well as being creative and—most importantly—having lots of fun together!" Middleton's last appearance was also connected to the campaign. On February 4, the Princess of Wales rode a bus with school children to London's National Portrait Gallery, where they experienced the gallery's Bobeam Tree Trail, "an interactive journey through the gallery's portraits designed to foster social and emotional learning," as People reported. The experience is part of the "Shaping Us" campaign. Middleton has been involved in the "Shaping Us" Framework since its inception in 2023—at the time, she launched the initiative at a London reception. "The campaign is fundamentally about shining a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood and how it shapes the adults we become," Kate said in a speech at the time. "This is why it is essential, to not only understand the unique importance of our earliest years, but to know what we can all do to help raise future generations of happy, healthy adults." Middleton's recent work with "Shaping Us" comes alongside a slowly increasing number of royal appearances. Since announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment, Middleton has begun taking on a few more royal responsibilities. Throughout the year, she expected to continue making more appearances, albeit on a reduced schedule. Read the original article on InStyle
