Abby McCloskey, Dallas Morning News, Janjuary 13, 2024

I am not a royal watcher. I admired Queen Elizabeth II from a distance, I occasionally watch The Crown and I remember when Princess Diana died and my parents’ TV played nonstop. But that’s about it. Harry happenings and palace intrigue, no thanks.

Which is why I am late in applauding Kate Middleton’s public campaign to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood. The campaign is called “Shaping Us.” Kate gave a knockout speech at the launch. But it is the short, charming clay animation video accompanying the campaign that has captured my attention.

It is a beautiful short. But after more than a decade professionally immersed in family policy, studying topics such as paid leave, child care, and maternal health — and in particular, in settings across political and ideological differences — I cannot help but think that such a video would not fly in America.