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Kate Middleton is reflecting on the importance of raising awareness about the “unseen realities of mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond.”
In an Instagram post on Friday, Nov. 14, the United Kingdom charity Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) shared a letter that they received from the Princess of Wales, 43. The heartfelt note highlighted the importance of the charity’s new exhibition exploring the topic of mental health in motherhood.
“The MMHA continues to champion the voices of those navigating perinatal mental illness,” Princess Kate, who is a royal patron of the charity, wrote. “Their new photographic exhibition, ‘This is Also Motherhood’, explores the often unseen realities of mental health throughout pregnancy and beyond.”
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The Princess of Wales explained that the charity’s exhibition focuses on the mental health journeys of “ten extraordinary women” since becoming mothers, and praised them for their “courage” in speaking about their experiences.
“Their courage to speak openly about their experiences, whether marked by trauma, joy, or resilience, demonstrates the great vulnerability and strength of the human condition,” she continued. “Through their portraits and letters, they remind us that no one should have to navigate the perinatal journey alone.”
“The exhibition is a testament to the MMHA’s core mission; ensuring every family in the UK gets the mental health care and support they need, before, during and after pregnancy,” said Princess Kate, who shares children Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, with husband Prince William.
The Princess of Wales said the exhibition is a reminder “that perinatal mental health problems can be overcome” and that “every parent’s story matters,” concluding that, “every voice has the power to help build a society where love, hope, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.”
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The MMHA said that they are “honored” by Princess Kate’s support on the issue. “Her support for ‘This is Also Motherhood’ and our hopes of normalising conversations about mental health within the early motherhood and parenthood journey is something we value so dearly,” they wrote.
The charity is dedicated to ensuring that women and birthing people dealing with perinatal mental health problems are provided with efficient and sensitive care, per their website.
The Princess of Wales’ support on the topic of mental health comes as she shared a personal message about transitioning and “learning to let go” in a recent video posted on her social media channels.
In the clip shared on Saturday, Nov. 15, Princess Kate provided a voiceover for a video titled “Autumn,” in the third installment of the royal’s quarterly “Mother Nature” series, which she began this year.
“This is the season for reflection and refinement,” she said, later adding, “With the turning of the seasons, Mother Nature teaches us there’s beauty to be found in change, impermanence and in letting go. These are the natural cycles of life.”
