Prince William and Kate touch down in Wales for mental health engagements


November 20, 2015

Just days after Kate spoke about supporting young people's mental health, the Duchess of Cambridge has carried out a string of engagements related to the issue. Kate was accompanying her husband Prince William to North Wales on Friday, where the couple met organisations that champion the same cause.

William and Kate, who lived on the island of Anglesey for four years, said they were "delighted" to be returning to Wales.

The couple received a warm welcome from locals as the first engagement of the day took them to Castle Square in Caernarfon town. The royals, who were greeted by children waving Welsh flags, had touched down via private helicopter.

"No school today, bet you're pleased about that," joked William to a group of youngsters.

© Photo: Rex

Kate wrapped up from the cold in an olive coat and black outfit

The Duke and Duchess visited a photography project run by charity Mind, which will have been particularly interesting for arty Kate, who is a keen shutterbug. The project, entitled "Mute: Are You Being Heard?", has been designed to give young people a voice to talk about the challenges of living with mental health problems.

Earlier this week Kate made a rare public speech where she outlined her reason for supporting mental health causes. Prince George and Princess Charlotte's mum admitted that while she was "lucky" to have a "wonderful and secure childhood", not all children are.

While in Caernarfon, William and Kate also saw the work of GISDA, a charity that provides support to homeless youth in the area. The visit will have struck a chord with 33-year-old William, who is a patron of homelessness charity Centrepoint.

As they left, Kate shared a lovely moment with three-year-old boy Theo, who handed the Duchess a bouquet of flowers.

© Photo: Rex

William and Kate will carry out five engagements related to mental health and young people in North Wales

The next engagement took William and Kate to an Outdoor Education Centre in Snowdonia run by Mountain Rescue England and Wales, of which the Prince is also a patron.

While at the centre the couple met young people from a local school who have all undertaken anti-stigma and discrimination training, to increase their awareness of how to face mental health problems among their peers.

© Photo: Rex

The doting Duchess started the day with a walkabout in Caernarfon town

The couple's busy day culminated with a visit to the historic market town of Denbigh, where William and Kate shone a spotlight on the mental health and wellbeing of young men. The royals heard about the work of the Men's Shed movement – a nationwide initiative that is recognised for helping thousands of men across the UK.

The Duke and Duchess were then also treated to a performance by the Musical Meatballs in Mind choir.

© Photo: Rex

Kate shared a lovely moment with three-year-old Theo as she was presented flowers

Mental health is an issue that William and Kate have been championing for years. The Duchess, in particular, has been focusing her recent engagements around the delicate subject and marked her return from maternity leave in September with a visit to the Anna Freud centre, which promotes mental health in children.

The doting mum also said earlier this week: "I often get asked why I decided to spend time highlighting the mental health of children. My answer might be similar to many of yours. I was lucky. 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."

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