‘A child’s first few years are crucial’

THE Duchess of Cambridge was tickled pink last night to back a cause close to her heart as she attended a gala dinner to raise money to support children’s mental health.

Kate, 37, dazzled in a Gucci gown as she joined senior women from the financial industry at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

She was guest of honour at the fundraiser held in London by the 100 Women in Finance organisation, in support of The Royal Foundation’s Mentally Healthy Schools programme, which helps young people.

Earlier, the Duchess spoke of how she “was very naive as a parent” about how important the early years of a child’s life can be in preparing them for the future.

She discussed her fears at The Royal Foundation’s Mental Health in Education conference in the City yesterday, with a group of experts hoping to promote mental health training in Britain’s schools. Kate told the conference: “When I first started out, I was very naive myself as a parent, of really just how important particularly the early years are for children’s futures.”

Later, she added: “Over the last eight years working with charities, I’ve met some of our leading experts in mental health, addiction, family breakdown, homelessness and education.

“They have taught me that the root cause of so many of today’s social problems can be traced right back to the very earliest years of a person’s life.

“The evidence is clear the first few years of a child’s life are more pivotal for development and for future health and happiness than any other single moment.”