Catherine launches study into benefits of nature for babies as she urges parents to get children off their screens

Catherine's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has commissioned a new study, led by the Princess of Wales, into the part the natural world plays in babies' and young children's social and emotional development. In a video filmed in Cornwall, Catherine, 44, encouraged parents to put down their phones and spend time outdoors with their children, warning that in a "tech-driven, digital age, spending quality time outdoors has never been more important." Prince William, whose Duchy of Cornwall estate is partnering in the project, joined Catherine on a private visit Thursday to the Nansledan site near Newquay. New portraits of the Princess, taken by photographer Josh Shinner in the Cornish countryside, were published alongside the announcement.

Drawing on her own cancer recovery, Catherine — who has previously described nature as her "sanctuary" — wrote that it fosters "skills that cannot be digitised: awareness, empathy, humility, and above all, love."

The study will look at the ways nature, creativity and relationships support lifelong health, with Duchy of Cornwall land potentially serving as venues for educational visits.

The announcement came as Harry and Meghan were making a high-profile return to Britain, with aides noting that William and Catherine were "quietly getting on with their work."