Jump directly to the content

KATE Middleton checked out a chameleon and snuggled a guinea pig after playing footie with Prince William on a royal outing today.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a visit to the Way Youth Zone in Wolverhampton to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. 

🔵 Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest updates

Kate comes face to face with Barbara the Bearded Dragon
11
Kate comes face to face with Barbara the Bearded DragonCredit: AFP
The Duchess gives little Gus the Guinea Pig a snuggle
11
The Duchess gives little Gus the Guinea Pig a snuggleCredit: AFP
Kate Middleton and Prince William visited the Youth Way Zone in Wolverhampton
11
Kate Middleton and Prince William visited the Youth Way Zone in WolverhamptonCredit: James Whatling
Smiling Kate played a game of ping pong with three kids from the centre
11
Smiling Kate played a game of ping pong with three kids from the centreCredit: AFP
Wills showed off his footie skills - managing five keepie uppies
11
Wills showed off his footie skills - managing five keepie uppies

Smiling Kate looked relaxed as she bonded with Barbara the Bearded Dragon and gave Gus the Guinea Pig a cuddle.

Will also took a turn at holding little Gus - although he looked slightly less at ease.

The animals are used in Animal Assisted Therapy to help children with disabilities, or those experiencing mental health challenges, to engage with therapy and wellbeing activities.

Kate also played a game of ping pong with three kids from the centre, while Wills showed off his footie skills - managing five keepie uppies. 

The Duchess also had a go at shooting a bow and arrow during an archery lesson alongside other youngsters. 

Alongside a clip of their visit, the couple wrote on their Kensington Royal Twitter account: “Todays visit is all about understanding local organisations here in Wolverhampton.

“Organisations that are motivating and inspiring young people to transform their lives. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.”

Referencing his poor football skills, Wills added: “P.S blaming the shoes for football attempts.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laugh during a gardening session on their visit to The Way Youth Zone
11
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge laugh during a gardening session on their visit to The Way Youth ZoneCredit: PA
Will stares at Barbara the Bearded Dragon
11
Will stares at Barbara the Bearded DragonCredit: PA
The Duke and Duchess joined a group of young people during a wellbeing session
11
The Duke and Duchess joined a group of young people during a wellbeing sessionCredit: PA
They also met a group of HeadStart ambassadors
11
They also met a group of HeadStart ambassadorsCredit: PA
The Duchess of Cambridge looked relaxed as she held the animals
11
The Duchess of Cambridge looked relaxed as she held the animalsCredit: AFP
Will hands back Gus the Guinea Pig at the centre
11
Will hands back Gus the Guinea Pig at the centreCredit: PA

The Way Zone offers support on health and wellbeing, life skills and independent living to teens in Wolverhampton. 

It also provides arts, sports and recreation activities for youngsters every night of the week. 

The Duke and Duchess joined a group of young people during a wellbeing session and met a group of HeadStart ambassadors.

HeadStart is a programme designed to improve the resilience and emotional wellbeing of children and young people by giving them the skills they need to address the challenges of modern life.

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and this year's theme is the role nature can play in improving psychological wellbeing.

Prince William lays wreath in tribute to hero cop Sgt Matt Ratana who was shot and killed on duty