Duchess Kate Delivers Heartfelt Speech to Teachers

— -- In a rare and heartfelt speech, the Duchess of Cambridge on Wednesday encouraged social workers and educators to focus on childhood mental health at a teachers' conference in London.

Kate, 33, who is increasingly taking a more high-profile role trying to destigmatize mental illness, stressed the importance of early childhood intervention in order to prevent problems later in life.

"I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. I imagine my answer might be similar to many of yours," Kate said in the speech, organized by the charity Place2Be.

Kate, who rarely speaks about her own family, acknowledged them in her candid and emotional speech, which Kensington Palace sources said she had worked on for weeks and was "very much her own."

"I know that I was lucky," the Duchess of Cambridge said. "My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to, but of course many children are not so lucky."

"Since beginning my work in areas like addiction, for example, I have seen time and time again that the roots of poor mental health in adulthood are almost always present in unresolved childhood challenges," she continued.

Kate is the royal patron of Place2Be, a charity devoted to providing counseling and mental health support in schools. The charity describes itself as seeking to provide a safe environment for children that foster the emotional well-being of both at-risk and vulnerable children and young people overwhelmed by the pressures of society.

Princess Kate greeted excited young children from two schools outside the Merrill Lynch building in London's Financial District before heading in to address the teachers and educators. Hundreds of bystanders also climbed the gates just to catch a glimpse of the Duchess's arrival.

Kate recycled a $1,500 Matthew Williamson peplum dress adorned with turquoise stones she last wore with her husband, Prince William, to the African Cats film premiere in 2011.

The future Queen of England has only spoken a handful of times in public, but it is obvious she is becoming increasingly more confident with her role as a powerful voice to help those in need.

"It is our duty, as parents and as teachers, to give all children the space to build their emotional strength and provide a strong foundation for their future," Kate, a mother of two, told conference attendees.

"Of course, not all children have the anchor of a strong family," the Duchess continued. "Many will arrive through your school gates feeling a real lack of love and devotion in their lives. This often leaves them feeling insecure and without confidence and trust in the world around them. That is why your work is so important."

Prince William and Kate have become outspoken advocates of bullying and have spent much of the fall attending events with young people to give them confidence.

The Duchess tried to do the same today, telling educators early intervention is key. "The earlier, the better. It is proven that early action prevents problems later in life," she said.

In concluding the three-and-a-half minute speech, Kate challenged the audience to do more.

"Imagine if everyone was able to help just one child who needs to be listened to, needs to be respected, and needs to be loved," she said. "We could make such a huge difference for an entire generation."