The Princess of Wales visited HMP Styal in Cheshire, where she met new and expectant mothers living within the prison’s dedicated mother and baby unit to see how they are supported within the justice system.
The visit, as part of her ongoing commitment to early childhood development, underscored the importance of strong maternal bonds even in challenging environments.
Spending nearly 90 minutes at the facility, Catherine engaged with both staff and former residents of the unit, which is operated by Action for Children, a charity of which she has been a Patron since 2016.
The mother and baby unit at the prison provides specialist support to incarcerated women, ensuring they receive guidance on caring for their babies and maintaining essential maternal connections during their sentences.
Kate visited the on-site nursery, where she spoke to current prisoners about their experiences and the ways in which Action for Children has supported them and their infants. She listened to stories of resilience and learned about the programs designed to break cycles of reoffending by fostering stronger family relationships.
Her Royal Highness heard and saw how new and expectant mothers live in a separate area of the prison and are taught by staff on how to care for their babies and develop strong maternal bonds, which are critical to the development of a child.
Her visit aligns with her broader initiative through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which aims to raise awareness of the crucial role early experiences play in shaping a child’s future. The Princess has often emphasised the psychological attachment between a baby and its primary caregiver, citing research that links early childhood experiences to later social outcomes such as addiction, mental health struggles, and family breakdowns.
The Princess of Wales, Patron, Action for Children, during a visit to the Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) inside HMP Styal to highlight the importance of strong, loving and consistent mother and baby relationships to a child’s development, even in the most challenging of environments. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
The Princess’ visit to HMP Styal follows her previous engagements at correctional facilities, including HMP High Down in 2023 and HMP Send in 2020 and 2015. In these visits, she has explored the links between childhood trauma, addiction, and crime, facing social issues at their roots.
One of the key takeaways from her visit was the role of family connection in reducing reoffending rates. With 22.3% of female prisoners in the UK reoffending, initiatives like those at HMP Styal offer hope for a different path. Action for Children’s programs ensure that babies experience crucial developmental milestones, even in a confined environment, while also providing incarcerated mothers with the support and skills necessary for reintegration into society.
The Royal has advocated for alternative solutions to incarceration for mothers, as seen in her visit to The Hope Street Centre in Southampton in 2023, which offers residential support as a substitute for prison, helping women navigate the legal system while maintaining their roles as caregivers.
As the Princess of Wales continues her gradual return to public engagements following the announcement she is in remission from cancer, her visit to HMP Styal reflects her dedication to early years development and keeping this part of childhood at the forefront of national conversation.
