The Princess of Wales and her three children paid a visit to a “baby bank” in Holyport, near Maidenhead. The members of the royal family volunteered for an evening, helping to sort donations and prepare gift bags for families in need this Christmas.
The Baby Bank is a project founded in 2015 by two Windsor mothers. They provide a range of support to local families in need, including newborn starter kits, essential baby supplies, and clothing bundles.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis helped their mum pick out toys for children their age who will receive them as gifts this Christmas. The Baby Bank aims to support 1,600 children through their Christmas campaign this year, and were helped towards their goal by the enthusiastic young princes and princess.
Learning to support others
The Princess of Wales was keen to show her children the value of supporting those who are less fortunate. In a video released by Kensington Palace, she can be seen next to Prince George saying “You can see how rewarding this work is, knowing that you’re helping out others”.
There is a growing network of similar organisations across the country, providing support to babies and families.
There is some evidence that financial considerations are influencing some women’s decision to have an abortion. A survey of 240 women with two or more children who had had an abortion in 2020, found that, of those in receipt of tax credits or universal credit, and therefore most likely to be affected by the two-child benefit cap, 57% said “that the policy was important in their decision-making around whether or not to continue the pregnancy.
One woman said “If there was no two-child limit I would have kept the baby, but I couldn’t afford to feed and clothe it … I’ve really struggled to come to terms with [my decision]”.
Another shared that ““[The two-child limit] was a big factor for me. My husband has lost his job so we are on a very tight budget and when we looked at our finances we realised we couldn’t afford to have another baby”.
Providing a lifeline for families this Christmas
Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “The practical support provided by baby banks, such as the one visited by the Princess of Wales and her children, can be a vital lifeline for families in need this Christmas. In a climate where families are struggling to get by, such support can enable families to welcome their babies into the world, knowing that they have somewhere to turn to for help”.
