Princess Kate Champions Kindness at School Visit for Children's Mental Health Week
The Princess of Wales made a heartfelt visit to Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, on Thursday, where she engaged with pupils and staff to mark Children's Mental Health Week. Dressed in a brown blazer and trousers paired with a light blue shirt, Kate immersed herself in the school's activities, focusing on the theme of belonging and connection.
Art Session Highlights Kindness and Creativity
During her time at the south London school, Kate joined a group of children aged nine to eleven in the art studio. She sat at a table filled with craft supplies, observing as the students created "belonging maps" using coloured pencils, glue, and pipe cleaners. These artistic projects were designed to help children reflect on the people, places, and experiences that make them feel secure and connected.
"Kindness is key, that's a very important message, isn't it?" Kate remarked to one boy, pointing to his work. She praised another boy's drawing of a plane, calling him "very talented," and shared her love of tennis with a girl. In an outdoor play area, the princess revealed her favourite colour is green, explaining, "It reminds me of nature and being outside."
Supporting Mental Health Through Place2Be
Castle Hill Academy hosts a therapy room operated by Place2Be, a children's mental health charity of which Kate is a royal patron. The charity founded Children's Mental Health Week, with this year's theme, This is My Place, encouraging young people to explore where they feel they belong.
Kate met the mother of a boy who received one-to-one counselling from Place2Be after his father died while he was in reception. His mother described how her son was initially withdrawn and "very quiet" but now "loves to talk" and recently performed in a school talent show. When she mentioned he doesn't play an instrument or sing, Kate laughed and joked, "But he likes being on the stage."
Warm Welcome and Lasting Impressions
Twice during the visit, Kate was greeted by rows of children waving colourful homemade flags, who cheered loudly as she appeared. She stopped to admire a boy's pink flag decorated with a peace symbol. Before departing, the princess was presented with a bouquet of orange and yellow flowers by a group including the head girl and boy.
Kate told them to "keep up the hard work," adding that she had been "really, really impressed" by the school and its facilities. On Instagram Stories after the visit, she wrote, "This year's Place2Be Children's Mental Health Week is about the importance of belonging. It can be easy to overlook the importance of the things that matter most; love, care and time spent together. Belonging and connection is so important, and is a fundamental part of early childhood development. As Patron of Place2Be, I am incredibly proud of the work they do to support families and communities to nurture children and young people. C."
Royal Context and Recent Statements
The visit occurred as much of the royal family's work has been overshadowed by Prince Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On Monday, William and Kate issued their first public statement on the scandal, with a Kensington Palace spokesperson saying, "I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."
Thames Valley Police confirmed on Wednesday that they have held discussions with Crown Prosecution Service prosecutors about allegations that Andrew shared confidential reports from his role as the UK's trade envoy with Epstein, stating they are "making progress as quickly as possible."
