Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry teamed up for a cause very close to their hearts on Monday, as they made a special joint appearance in London to mark World Mental Health Day. The royal trio took to the stage to deliver a highly-impassioned joint speech at a Heads Together event, which was held at County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road.
"All of us know someone who has been through difficult emotional times, and we know how hard it can be to see a way forward," Kate told those gathered at the reception. "William, Harry and I feel it is our duty to do what we can, with your help, to shine a spotlight on emotional wellbeing and highlight the support that is out there to prevent or manage the pain at difficult times."
William, meanwhile, paid testament to the "difference a listening ear can make to people's lives - whether a father supporting a child suffering depression, a soldier who has returned from a testing deployment, or a child struggling with the pressures of a new school".
"The three of us have learnt a lot in the past few months as we have met people," he said. "The conclusion we are coming to, is that the more we all talk about this, the more collectively as a society we can do to support one another."
Harry then urged the public to get behind the 2017 London 2017 Marathon – Heads Together is the event's charity partner of the year.
"We want as many London Marathon runners as possible, spectators around the course and people watching at home to get involved and make it a marathon for mental health," he said. "All of us have mental health. So the more we all get behind this topic, the more we can help not just the individuals suffering, but also their entire families and work colleagues as well. Together we will break the stigma forever and save lives."
William, Kate and Harry proved a big hit at the reception as they mingled with representatives from the different charities taking part in their Heads Together campaign. The trio launched the Heads Together initiative last May to try and end the stigma surrounding mental health – it is the single biggest project that have undertaken all together.
While at the event, they spent time speaking with some of those who have received help from a relative, colleague or friend in crucial moments in their lives, and also the person who provided that invaluable support. The royals were seen listening intently as guests bravely spoke of their experiences, asking thoughtful and informed questions as they chatted in small groups.
Kate, William and Harry: Ten times the happy royal trio have made us smile
Those attending the reception were also able to take selfies in a special photo booth in County Hall, with a message thanking someone for being there for them, as part of a #Thereforme social media drive.
Following their appearance, the Duke and Duchess and Harry are due to head off to the London Eye, where they will be joined by some of those who earlier shared their mental health stories.
Later this afternoon, the London Eye will light up in purple in support of World Mental Health Day, joining other buildings around the world that will be doing the same, and connecting Heads Together with the worldwide movement to end stigma around mental health.
This year's theme for World Mental Health Day focuses on the importance of psychological and mental health first aid for all.
