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Privacy NoticeThe Princess of Wales’ sister, Pippa Matthews, has followed in her footsteps by taking a keen interest in Early Years Development and children’s mental health. Pippa, who moved to Berkshire with her husband James and their three kids, Arthur, Grace and Rose, earned a Master’s Degree in a similar field from The University of Wales Trinity Saint David in 2022. Despite being a busy mum, Pippa managed to balance her studies and family life. In an interview with the university, she shared her thoughts on the course and expressed hope that she could combine her expertise and passion for the subject with the significant platform her sister has established to continue raising awareness for Early Years Development.
The sisters share the passion
(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Pippa, who previously graduated from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in English Literature, returned to her studies and achieved a Master’s Degree in Physical Education, Sport and Physical Literacy with distinction. Her interests align closely with Kate’s passion for Early Years Development and safeguarding children’s mental health. Pippa has opened up about the personal journey behind her Master’s degree, stating: “I am passionate about sport and exercise and also love being with children. I wanted to find a topic that combined these two and felt that there wasn’t enough information, knowledge or focus on early years physical development for mums particularly.” Sign up to OK!’s royal newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Kate and Pippa have a great deal in common
(Image: 2024 Karwai Tang)
She sheds light on her educational aspirations by sharing: “I wanted to learn to not only help my own children but to also continue work in the field to stress the importance of children moving from an early age… I have enjoyed the balance of work and motherhood and getting back into reading, writing, and learning again.” Kate stands out as well, having curated a leading reputation in supporting early years development and children’s mental health. Her dedication to fostering physical wellness, developmental science, and mental healthcare for children has distinguished her in this vital arena.
The Princess of Wales and her sister Pippa are incredibly close
(Image: Getty Images)
Launching Shaping Us in January 2023 – and previously setting up The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and the ‘Big 5’ survey – Kate made substantial strides in understanding child development. In addition, she’s dedicated over a decade investigating the impacts of societal issues like addiction, poor mental health, and homelessness on growth and wellbeing. Kate has been actively engaging with her passion for early childhood development, and in February, she visited Copenhagen to learn from Denmark’s leading approach. The Scandinavian country is renowned for its pioneering work in early development and is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to raise a family. In another inspiring move, Kate was announced as the patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA). She appeared in a heartfelt promotional video discussing the challenges mothers face, including anxiety and depression.
The Princess has focused on early years development
(Image: CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Princess shared: “But we all know that pregnancy, childbirth and the first months and years of a child’s life can be hugely demanding. Parents often feel lonely and overwhelmed by these early years.” She continued to highlight the prevalence of perinatal mental illness, stating: “Around 20 per cent of women in the UK are reported to experience perinatal mental illness. “Sadly, we also know that many more are suffering in silence. No one is immune to experiencing anxiety and depression during this time. It is crucial, therefore, that all those who might be struggling are given the right support at the right time, so that they’re able to share these feelings without fear of judgment and can access the information, care and support they need to recover.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnKate MiddletonPippa MiddletonRoyal Foundation of Early ChildhoodRoyal FamilyPrince GeorgePrince LouisPrince WilliamPrincess Charlotte
