The Duchess of Cambridge has the platform to highlight society's biggest issues and why that's more important than ever before.

DANIELLE STACEY

HELLO! Online's Royal Correspondent

Some aspects of our lives may be temporarily paused while we navigate our way through these unprecedented times, but there are some things that naturally cannot be put on hold. One of those things is the joy of the arrival of a new-born baby.

The Duchess of Cambridge has spoken with midwives, health visitors, parents and leading experts about the challenges and impact that COVID-19 is having on new and expectant mothers and their families, during a video call this week.

This is not new territory for mum-of-three Kate, who has long highlighted the importance of maternal mental health and support for mothers and families.

However, in a time where the focus is rightly on the fight against coronavirus, other issues may inadvertently not receive as much coverage.

The pandemic has inevitably resulted in an increased amount of anxiety in the general population and one midwife told the Duchess she has seen expectant mothers, who have no previous mental health history, becoming incredibly anxious because of the current situation.

While the royals aren't able to carry out their public-facing duties at the moment, these video calls are proving to be invaluable.

Health experts and midwives stressed to Kate during the call that they are still here to listen to expectant and new mothers and to provide them with the best support and care.

As a senior member of the royal family, the Duchess has the platform to ensure that this information is seen by far and wide. As a mother, Kate is also relatable and has often spoken about her own experiences and the challenges of parenting.

While out on the royal beat, people have often told me how down to earth Kate is. "She just puts you at ease," is an expression I've heard from those who have had a conversation with the Duchess or chatted to her during a walkabout.

The Cambridges are committed to helping those on the frontline during the crisis, as their Royal Foundation has outlined, but they have also found time to support the issues they have a long-standing affinity with.

On a personal note, William and Kate have two occasions to celebrate this week – their ninth wedding anniversary and their daughter, Princess Charlotte's fifth birthday.

I remember watching the royal wedding on TV as I approached my final weeks of university and little did I know how much my own life would become entwined with royalty as I watched Kate step out of the car in her satin and lace Alexander McQueen gown!

And speaking of children, HELLO!'s royal editor, Emily Nash, has given us a trip down memory lane this week as she recalls covering the birth of Princess Charlotte from outside the Lindo Wing.

Once again, Kate got behind the camera to capture the birthday portraits of her daughter and as royal photographer, James Whatling, told HELLO! this week, the Duchess is a proficient photographer.

We've seen the royal mum experiment with movement and action shots with the recent snaps of her children and it's resulted in some lovely, natural images.

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