The Duchess of Cambridge has interviewed a midwife for Nursing Times.
The 39-year-old royal also chose the cover image for the May issue of the industry publication, as well as chatting with Harriet Nayiga – who founded MILCOT (Midwife-led Community Transformation), a community organisation providing advice and support for vulnerable women and girls in Uganda – to mark the completion of the three-year global Nursing Now campaign, which aimed to raise the status and profile of the profession.
During the interview – which was published on International Day of the Midwife on Wednesday (05.05.21) – Catherine admitted she is “in awe” of Harriet.
She said: “I’m in awe of all that you’re doing. It really is inspiring. We need more of you Harriet…
“The work you and your team do, it’s needed now more than ever so I really wish it the best going forward.”
The midwife told the duchess of how much more pressure she and others in her profession had felt during the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: “That pressure has been more exaggerated during Covid-19 where you feel that you are also at risk and you also need care. You have a family, friends and you’re also worried about how they are, but yet you have to go and serve others.”
She also spoke of her pride in her work being “uncovered” by the Nursing Now initiative.
She said: “I always say that Nursing Now uncovered me and I got exposure to the entire world. I attended the World Health Assembly, and Nursing Now exposed me to a great network of connections.
“I met people like Lord Nigel Crisp, co-chair of Nursing Now, and interacted with Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, so that alone has built my confidence – that I can be a global leader and what I’m doing is very important and very needed in the world.
“Right now, I’m supporting nurses and midwives not only in my country but also from other countries, who contact me for advice on how to start community-based initiatives.”
Catherine – who has children Princes George, seven, and Louis, three, and six-year-old Princess Charlotte with husband Prince William – told Harriet she’d love to see her work in action one day.
She said: “Hopefully one day I can come and see your amazing work first-hand. It’s so fantastic that organisations like MILCOT are on a global stage, being able to share their best practice. You should feel hugely proud of all the hard work and effort that goes into it. I can see your passion and dedication.”
Harriet replied: “Thank you so much for those kind works. I’m so blessed and honoured.”