It was a busy day for the Duchess of Cambridge as she visited the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College, London. The faculty is one of the biggest centres for neuroscience excellence in all of Europe.
Kate was visiting the centre to learn more about the challenges surrounding mental health, with a special focus on maternal mental health. As Kensington Royal states: “At least 20% of women are affected by mental health problems during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child. If left untreated, it can have significant and long-lasting effects on the woman and her family.” With her third child due in just three months, it’s no surprise that Kate understands the importance of improving maternal mental health.
The Duchess, who wore a periwinkle blue coat, was greeted outside the building on a drizzly day. Inside the main laboratory, she received a briefing on the centre’s extensive research in perinatal psychiatry. She then spoke to professionals about their work supporting new mothers, learning about the biological influences on maternal mental health. After this, Kate visited patients currently undergoing treatment and spoke with them about their experience.
The Duchess will next visit the Mother and Baby Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital, which is part of the NHS Maudsley Foundation Trust. The unit specialises in the treatment of antenatal and postnatal mental health illnesses, including post- partum psychosis and postnatal depression.
Watch the Duchess arrive at King’s College below.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at @KingsIoPPN, one of Europe's largest centres for neuroscience excellence, to learn more about the challenges and issues surrounding maternal mental health. pic.twitter.com/wFP4U3Hfan
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) January 24, 2018
All images supplied by Kensington Royal official Twitter and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London official Twitter.
