Kate Middleton tells children ‘lockdown frustrations are normal’ in assembly message

‘It’s been a really difficult time for us all,’ duchess says in pre-recorded school assembly statement

The Duchess of Cambridge has delivered words of comfort to a group of children on the impact of lockdown, explaining that it is “normal” to feel frustrated.

On Thursday 18 June, a pre-recorded message conducted by the duchess will be shared with the Oak National Academy, an online classroom launched in response to the lockdown that provides video lessons and free resources to parents and teachers.

When children log into the virtual school hall, they will hear Catherine talk about the importance of helping others, looking after ourselves and doing activities in lockdown that benefit your mental wellbeing.

“Today, I wanted to talk to you about the importance of being kind and looking after one another,” the royal states in the assembly message.

“We all have our ups and downs, especially when things change in our lives as they have in so many ways recently. This can cause us to have a huge range of different feelings. Sometimes these feelings may be good, but sometimes they may be uncomfortable, and we feel worried, angry or upset.”

Catherine states that being unable to see friends or relatives “will undoubtedly be frustrating for you, just as it is for them. It’s been a really difficult time for us all”.

“But it’s important to know that these feelings and frustrations are totally normal, and that they won’t last forever,” the duchess stresses.

“Talking to someone – whether it’s a friend, family member or teacher – is something you can do to make yourself feel that little bit better.”

The Duchess of Cambridge adds that “small acts of kindness can go such a long way”, such as listening to others when they’re feeling down or “helping someone in need”.

“But as we help others, we mustn’t forget to nurture ourselves by taking the time to focus on the things that make us feel happy too,” she states.

“This might be playing our favourite game, being outside, or talking to our friends. They all help with our mental wellbeing.”

Every Thursday, Oak National Academy hosts assemblies for students across the UK.

In addition to delivering an assembly message, which was recorded on Wednesday 10 June, the duchess also spoke to five children aged between five and nine from Waterloo Primary Academy in Blackpool.

All of the children have parents who have been working on the frontline during the pandemic.

Mark Hamblett, head teacher at Waterloo Primary Academy, said that the children were only told they would be speaking to the Duchess of Cambridge a few minutes prior so they wouldn’t be nervous.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them. The last few months and weeks have been so difficult to navigate, and the children have been incredible,” Mr Hamblett said.