KATE'S WISH
Prince William apologises for Kate Middleton’s absence on school visit and says she would’ve ‘loved to be here’
The Prince and Princess of Wales have worked tirelessly to end the stigma surrounding mental health
PRINCE William today apologised for Princess Kate's absence during a heartwarming visit to a school.
Wills said his wife would have "loved to be here" after meeting inspiring pupils at St. Michael’s Church of England High School in Sandwell, West Midlands, this morning.
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The royal was on a visit to learn about the award-winning student-led initiatives available to pupils to support their mental health and wellbeing.
It came after pupil Freddie Hadley previously shared a letter inviting Prince William to support his schools #AmIManlyEnough campaign.
The pair chatted and laughed this morning as they shook hands and spoke about the young lad's work.
Freddie beamed in his immaculate school uniform as he proudly met the royal.
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The prince hailed Freddie for his letter and told a member of staff: "Lots of people write letters but Freddie's was a really well written letter. I promised I would come."
In Freddie's letter to Wills, he wrote: "I am a representative of the Matrix Project, which was set up to shine a spotlight on male mental health.
"We are contacting you in the hope that you will support our campaign #AmIManlyEnough? Which aims to tackle the stigma that "girls cry and boys get mad".
As part of World Mental Health Day last year, the inspiring pupil invited Wills to their campaign event.
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The Prince responded on X/formerly Twitter and replied: "Good afternoon Freddie, I’m so sorry Catherine and I can’t be with you and the rest of the students at St Michael’s today.
"Tackling mental health challenges and stigmas head on is so important, please keep up this important work. W"
But today, Freddie's wish came true, as he got to discuss the work they do with Wills.
The royal also asked if he could make a 'dad joke', apparently Princess Charlotte's favourite one.
"Knock knock," he asked.
"Who's there", the children replied.
"Interrupting cow," said Wills, before chiming in with "moo".
The dad-of-three said it was the only "clean and broadcastable" joke he had.
And, William later joined boys aged 11-14 in a session speaking about male mental health.
After the visit, the royal shared a message on X/Twitter which read: "It all started with a letter…
"Great to see this inspiring mental health project in action.
"Well done to Freddie and friends for the incredible efforts they are making in nurturing their emotional wellbeing."
It comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales work tirelessly to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
They have awarded grants from their Royal Foundation to organisations working in the field, and Wills himself has previously made it a priority to boost support for 999 heroes.
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In the height of the Pandemic, the couple were so moved by stories from NHS staff and emergency workers, they created the 'Our Frontline' scheme.
They worked with charities Mind, Samaritans, Shout and Hospice UK to give round the clock mental health support to key workers.
Meanwhile, in 2018, Prince William made headlines when he opened up about the struggles he faced after Princess Diana's death.
He teamed up with the Heads Together campaign, which worked to squash the stigma surrounding mental health, and previously admitted he disapproved on the monarchy's 'stiff upper lip' tradition.
'LEST WE FORGET'
It comes as The Princes and Princess of Wales also shared a heartfelt message this morning to mark Anzac Day.
"On #AnzacDay we remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations #LestWeForget," they penned on their X platform.
Anzac Day, April 25, marks the anniversary of the start of the First World War Gallipoli landings.
It is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand.
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Thousands of Anzac troops, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, died alongside British allies in the ill-fated 1915 campaign.
Waves of Allied forces launched an amphibious attack on the strategically important Turkish peninsula, which was key to controlling the Dardanelles straits, the crucial route to the Black Sea and Russia.
But the plan backed by Winston Churchill, then first lord of the admiralty, was flawed and the campaign, which faced a heroic defence by the Turks, led to a stalemate and withdrawal eight months later.
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Anzac Day has taken place every year since 1916 and now also stands for all soldiers of those nations involved in military conflict.
Last year Prince William laid a wreath of red poppies and white flowers at Wellington Arch in Hyde Park Corner, London.
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