Princess Kate opens Children In Need with speech warning about ‘traumatic’ childhoods

THE Princess of Wales opened this year’s Children In Need telly show warning “traumatic” early childhood can take years to overcome.

Kate, 41, wearing an electric-blue blouse, filmed an address for the BBC fundraiser.

She said: “Tonight is all about helping to support, champion and empower all children to be the very best they can be, which is crucial for their future health and happiness.

“Our relationships, surroundings and experiences during the earliest years lay the foundations that shape the rest of our lives.

“And yet sadly, we know that for too many people, stressful and traumatic situations in early childhood can cause harm and it can take many years to overcome.

“It is vital, therefore, that we nurture every childhood and why the sorts of projects supported by Children in Need are so important.

“They help the very youngest, most vulnerable members of our society feel safe, secure and loved in these important, formative years, so that they can enjoy their childhoods now, and grow to reach their potential and thrive in the world in later life.

“I hope you enjoy this evening’s show and best of luck to all those taking part in challenges and the incredible fundraising effort.”

It comes after Kate gave a landmark speech in London this week for her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.