LONDON – Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, has asked British schools to provide emotional support for children who suffer from personal difficulties so they can have “the happy, healthy future they deserve.”

Catherine, wife of Prince William, second in line to the throne, recorded a video message to mark the start of Children’s Mental Health Week, in her capacity as the patron of the children’s mental health charity Place2Be, which dedicates its activities to helping vulnerable children with emotional problems.

In her message, she underlines the importance of giving children the tools to deal with the challenges of life and asks schools to help support this task.

“This Children’s Mental Health Week we want to support schools to prioritize the emotional well-being of their students, alongside academic success,” the Duchess said.

Catherine, who recorded the message in Salusbury primary school in Queen’s Park, north-west London, noted that “by ensuring every child is given the emotional support they need, we are giving them a firm foundation for the happy healthy future they deserve.”