Princess Kate received a mixed reception of cat-calls and cheers as she visited HMP Styal, a women’s prison near Wilmslow in Cheshire, to meet with pregnant inmates and mothers of babies born behind bars. The Princess of Wales, 43, who serves as the patron of Action for Children, aimed to highlight the importance of “strong, loving, and consistent” relationships for a child’s development, even in challenging circumstances.
During her visit, Princess Kate toured the prison’s Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), where she spoke with four mothers about their experiences of parenting behind bars. As she walked through the prison grounds, dozens of inmates leaned out of their windows, greeting her with wolf-whistles and cat-calls. The princess responded with a smile and a wave, acknowledging the curious onlookers.
The face-to-face meetings with mothers and their newborns were held privately, allowing for intimate and honest discussions. Additionally, Princess Kate spoke with two former inmates who shared how the prison’s parenting courses, organized by Action for Children, had a profound impact on their lives.
One former inmate, who spent 14 months at HMP Styal, explained, “It was a safe space. It was run by the charity and not by the prison regime. To step outside of the regime, even for a few hours, meant everything. You could just be a mum, sharing ideas on how to be a better parent. I wish I could have done more.”
Another ex-inmate, who arrived at the prison 30 weeks pregnant and served an 11-month sentence, emphasized the importance of parenting support in custody, saying, “The crime was unrelated to decisions I made in parenthood, but having programs like this is imperative.”
Princess Kate’s visit underscores her ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families, particularly in challenging environments. Her role as patron of Action for Children continues to bring attention to the necessity of nurturing bonds between mothers and their children, regardless of circumstance.
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