Kate says smartphones fuel an “epidemic of disconnection” while baking with children in Oxford

The Princess of Wales swapped royal formality for flour and frosting today as she rolled up her sleeves during a visit to a community centre in Oxford. Beaming and relaxed, Princess Kate joined children, carers, and parents for a “stay and play” session organised by Home-Start Oxford — a charity that supports families across the UK.

But amid the laughter and baking fun, the princess issued a serious warning: smartphones, she said, are fuelling an “epidemic of disconnection” that is eroding real emotional bonds between parents and children.

Kate’s visit highlighted the vital importance of early childhood development — a cause she has long championed through her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Speaking to volunteers, she urged parents and carers to focus on “everyday moments of love and connection” that help children build lasting social and emotional skills.

The Princess joined in training exercises with Home-Start Oxford volunteers, discussing how to nurture positive interactions between parents and their children. The session also featured a hands-on baking activity, where Kate was seen laughing and helping young children decorate treats, her hands dusted with flour as she chatted warmly with carers and families.

Home-Start UK is preparing to roll out new training materials inspired by The Royal Foundation’s “Explainer Series” — a collection of seven animated films launched in August. The films, produced by Kate’s Centre for Early Childhood, focus on the science of emotional development and are designed to help those who work with babies, children, and families better understand the foundations of healthy relationships.

Home-Start’s national network includes around 9,000 volunteers from 175 local charities. These volunteers provide free, practical support for families, particularly those struggling with isolation, postnatal depression, or the pressures of early parenthood.

During her visit, Kate joined one of the charity’s training sessions where volunteers watched and discussed the new films, exploring how they could use the lessons in their everyday work. The Princess praised the volunteers’ dedication, calling them “a lifeline for families during their most challenging moments.”

Her appearance in Oxford follows a series of public engagements focused on early years development, part of her broader mission to promote emotional wellbeing in children. Over the past few years, she has emphasised the long-term social and psychological benefits of nurturing family interactions during a child’s earliest years.

Yet her comments on smartphones struck a more somber note. Kate described excessive screen use as a growing obstacle to genuine connection, warning that digital distractions were creating “a silent epidemic of disconnection.” Her remarks echoed growing public concern about the effects of technology on family life, child development, and mental health.

Photographs from the visit showed the Princess laughing with children, handing out pink roses, and engaging in open discussions with volunteers. Dressed casually but elegantly, she embodied the warmth and empathy that have made her one of the most popular members of the royal family.

As the day drew to a close, Kate reiterated the message at the heart of her early childhood campaign — that small, loving moments can make the biggest difference. “It’s the simple things,” she said. “A smile, a hug, a shared story — these are what help children feel safe, seen, and connected.”

For the parents and carers gathered in Oxford, it was an inspiring reminder — and a royal endorsement — of the power of human connection in a digital age.