Kate Middleton’s Visit Brings Comfort to Prison Mothers

Princess kate travelled to HMP Styal, a women’s prison in Cheshire, to meet ex-offenders and those still serving who have received support from a mother and baby unit run by the charity Action for Children, which the princess represents as royal patron.

The Princess’s office at the Kensington Palace notes that Action for Children’s mother and baby units work to provide a dedicated place for the new and expectant mothers who are serving their time in prison.

During her latest visit, the future queen spent considerable time interacting with staff and former residents, lending an ear to listen what they have to say about the support and services provided there, including high-quality kindergarten provision, targeted interventions and parenting support for the on-site mothers.

During the visit, the princess had a private meeting with the prison’s four inmates who are mothers and toured their accommodation and nursery.

Speaking with People Magazine, the director at Action for Children, Amanda Taylor discussed Princess Kate’s visit.

She said, “We felt very privileged that the princess visited one of our mother and baby units.”

Amanda added, “We consider them our little gems that we don’t always get publicity about. It is incredibly important work that we deliver and for the princess to shine a light on that work was a fantastic opportunity for us,”

She went on to share that a lot of women were nervous but Kate “just naturally helped the women to feel relaxed.”

“One of the women found it hard to talk and she spent some time with her at the end, talking to her one to one. She is very skilled at making people feel comfortable. These are very vulnerable women in a difficult situation,” she said.

Additionally, Kate also spoke to former prisoners and their babies with them. Amanda said, “They talked about the help that they received, both direct to themselves and for the baby as well as the support they have been through after they’ve been discharged from the prison. They also talked about other prisoners and how they’ve been supportive of each other as well.”

Princes of Wales told staff from the unit: “It is great that you are looking at the mother’s wellbeing as well. The best thing for baby is to have a mother whose emotional needs and wellbeing is met as well.”

To note, this appearance of Princess Kate marks her second official engagement of the month after she joined school children on a trip to the National Portrait Gallery last week.

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