Prince William meets recipients of mental health project

June 12, 2026 - 09:16

Prince William met with young people and staff involved in a mental health initiative he helped fund, receiving praise for his empathetic approach during the visit. The Prince of Wales spent time at a community centre in south London to learn about the wellbeing scheme, which provides early intervention support for children and teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

The project, co-funded by William's Royal Foundation, aims to reduce waiting times for mental health services by offering school-based counselling and peer support groups. During the visit, the prince joined a group discussion where participants shared their personal experiences. One teenager told him how the programme helped them cope with grief after losing a parent. Another spoke about overcoming bullying and social isolation.

Staff described William as "genuinely engaged" and "not just going through the motions." He asked detailed questions about the challenges young people face today, from social media pressure to academic stress. The prince also praised the resilience of the participants, telling them their honesty was "inspiring."

The visit comes as part of William's ongoing focus on mental health, a cause he has championed alongside his brother and sister-in-law through the Heads Together campaign. The scheme he visited is one of several grassroots projects funded by his foundation to address gaps in mental health care for young people. Organisers said the royal visit helped highlight the urgent need for more accessible support, especially as demand for services continues to rise.