Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, published an insightful essay titled “The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World” on Thursday. The essay takes on the growing concern over the influence of technology on human connection. It hones in on the very real effect these tools are having on kids. Co-authored with Professor Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development, the piece highlights the importance of fostering genuine connections amidst a landscape dominated by distractions.
As the founder of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, established in 2021, Middleton has dedicated her efforts to enhancing child development and supporting families. Through her personal story and pragmatic pragmatism, in her essay, she cautions us against “an epidemic of disconnection.” She argues that today’s incessant digital distractions compound this issue. Middleton brings attention to a paradox formed by the advent of technology. We are more “connected” than ever before, yet we feel more isolated and alone.
Middleton’s personal experiences as a mother of three—Prince George, aged 12, Princess Charlotte, aged 10, and Prince Louis, aged 7—inform her perspectives on this pressing issue. She and her husband, Prince William, made the decision not to give their children smartphones and to focus on spending time as a family. As Prince William has said in the past about the power of these kinds of moments, “We sit and chat, it’s so important.”
Middleton on a visit to Home-Start Oxford on October 9, 2025. She truly loved to engage with volunteers and families, a reflection of her deep passion and commitment to the welfare of children. In that essay, she shares with readers how multitasking has changed the way her family connects and communicates with one another.
“When we check our phones during conversations, scroll through social media during family dinners, or respond to e-mails while playing with our children, we’re not just being distracted; we are withdrawing the basic form of love that human connection requires.” – Princess Kate
Middleton’s worries line up with the biggest takeaway from years of research, which shows that strong relationships are the bedrock of a happy and healthy life. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Yet the very same young people often have difficulty continuing to develop the kinds of warm, meaningful relationships.
More than anything Middleton hopes to ignite a discussion on the critical need for human connection. This need is particularly acute in an age laden with unprecedented distractions. As an educator, she’s been a fierce advocate for intentional family engagement. This makes clear the need to prioritize relationships, in our own lives and in our community.
