Glam Kate Middleton checks out bearded dragon and snuggles guinea pig on royal outing after playing footie with William
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.
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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 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.