Entertainment

Kate Middleton wears earrings given to her by grieving mother whose daughter tragically took her own life aged 17 – as she hosts youth mental health forum with William

The Princess of Wales has kept a promise she made to a grieving mother today as she visited Birmingham alongside Prince William.

Kate, 41, teamed her yellow L.K.Bennett £359 tailored jacket and black trousers with  star-shaped earrings given to the royal by Maidenhead Rugby Club coach Sarah Renton.

They were made in memory of Mrs Renton’s daughter, Issy, who tragically took her own life at the age of 17 earlier this year after struggling with depression. 

Kate promised to wear the jewellery after receiving them during a trip to the rugby club in June – and she honoured that pledge today when she joined the Prince of Wales, 41, for a public engagement in the West Midlands city to mark World Mental Health Day. 

William and Kate hosted a forum for young people – Exploring our Emotional Worlds – focusing on the importance of understanding emotions and building positive relationships.



Their outing comes ahead of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s return to New York City today for Archewell’s mental health summit, the first ever in-person event for the foundation.

Kate and William arrive to join young people as they participate in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action at Factory Works in Birmingham

Kate and William arrive to join young people as they participate in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action at Factory Works in Birmingham

The royal looked animated as she kicked off this afternoon's engagement to mark Mental Health Week

The royal looked animated as she kicked off this afternoon’s engagement to mark Mental Health Week

The couple were introduced to young people ahead of a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action

The couple were introduced to young people ahead of a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action

Kate opted for star earrings given to her by Maidenhead Rugby Club coach Sarah Renton

Kate opted for star earrings given to her by Maidenhead Rugby Club coach Sarah Renton

They were made in memory of Mrs Renton's daughter, Issy (pictured), who tragically took her own life at the age of 17 earlier this year. Kate promised to wear the jewellery after receiving them in June during a trip to the mother's rugby club

They were made in memory of Mrs Renton’s daughter, Issy (pictured), who tragically took her own life at the age of 17 earlier this year. Kate promised to wear the jewellery after receiving them in June during a trip to the mother’s rugby club

After meeting Kate earlier this year, Mrs Renton said: ‘My daughter Issy took her own life. The proceeds from the earrings are going to a charity called Brave Minds, a mental health charity that supports children using the platforms of rugby clubs. Mental health is such an important issue.

‘She was wonderful, Issy, a real breath of fresh air. She had wonderful, wonderful friends, surrounded herself with the best people. 

‘She was owning life, doing so well in her A levels, she was going to do an elite rugby programme, she payed touch rugby for England and got a gold medal in the summer.

‘But she was also struggling with depression. Everything was harder than it was a supposed to be. We thought she was obviously doing better than she was.’

Mrs Renton added that Kate told her she would wear the earrings in future.

Today’s event featured contributions from TV doctor, Alex George, BBC Radio 1 presenter, Katie Thistleton and the Founding Director of Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Marc Brackett PhD.

During the outing, Their Royal Highnesses joined young people as they participated in a series of workshops being run in partnership with The Mix, a leading youth mental health charity.

In a rare public speech, the princess spoke of how ‘deeply’ she and William cared about the cause.


The Princess of Wales holds a speech after she participated in a series of workshops in Birmingham

The Princess of Wales holds a speech after she participated in a series of workshops in Birmingham

In her speech, Kate (pictured) said: 'Mental health is something we both care deeply about'

In her speech, Kate (pictured) said: ‘Mental health is something we both care deeply about’

Kate, who has recently shaken up her wardrobe, ditching dresses for trouser suits as she 'spreads her wings' in her new role, according to insiders, opted for yet another tailored, clean-cut two-piece today

Kate, who has recently shaken up her wardrobe, ditching dresses for trouser suits as she 'spreads her wings' in her new role, according to insiders, opted for yet another tailored, clean-cut two-piece today

Kate, who has recently shaken up her wardrobe, ditching dresses for trouser suits as she ‘spreads her wings’ in her new role, according to insiders, opted for yet another tailored, clean-cut two-piece today

Kate wore her thick brunette locks in loose curls, hanging down her shoulders, and kept her jewellery simple

Kate wore her thick brunette locks in loose curls, hanging down her shoulders, and kept her jewellery simple

Kate speaks to young people as she participates in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action at Factory Works in Birmingham

Kate speaks to young people as she participates in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action at Factory Works in Birmingham

Kate looked smart in a L.K.Bennett £359 tailored jacket for her joint outing with Prince William

Kate looked smart in a L.K.Bennett £359 tailored jacket for her joint outing with Prince William

Say cheese! The Prince and Princess of Wales pose for a photograph when in Birmingham

Say cheese! The Prince and Princess of Wales pose for a photograph when in Birmingham

The Prince and Princess of Wales join young people as they participate in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action

The Prince and Princess of Wales join young people as they participate in a series of workshops which focus on emotions, relationships and community action

In 2016, the couple launched Heads Together, a campaign that helped break the stigma around mental health, and encouraged more people to have everyday conversations about it.

Kate, who was personally keen to speak at the event, told her audience: ‘Alongside the efforts of many others, we have seen real change. Today, more people feel empowered to talk about their mental health than ever before. This is a major step forward.

‘William and I continue to be inspired to see young people, like you all here today, leading this charge – being particularly brave in having some of those conversations yourselves.

‘As a generation, you value and talk more about your mental health than any before you – something we truly admire and applaud.

‘It is important, however, to remind ourselves of the big picture as we meet here today. What are we trying to improve by focusing our efforts on mental health? Ultimately, we are working to build a happier, healthier world.

‘We want to shape fairer, safer, kinder, more equal societies – societies that seek the common good and a better future together. 

‘For just as we need to restore, protect, and invest in our planet, so we must also restore, protect, and invest in the communities, relationships and people living on it.’

The princess stressed that talking about mental health is not enough, adding: ‘Although many more conversations are now taking place, it is now vital we spend more time focusing on how we talk about our mental health – and crucially; What are we are going to do, to build positive, preventative solutions to one of today’s toughest challenges.

‘We are living in a world however, that is changing so fast, where social media and concerns about the threat of conflict, pandemics, climate change or the cost of living, can impact our emotional wellbeing and future hopes dramatically. 

‘On top of this, as young people, this can also be a time in your lives, when you perhaps feel the vulnerability of growing independence and self-consciousness.

The princess kept her hair in loose curls and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup

The princess kept her hair in loose curls and opted for a smattering of glamorous makeup

The Prince and Princess of Wales shake hands with Dr Alex George, right, and Nadia Jae, radio presenter, second right,

The Prince and Princess of Wales shake hands with Dr Alex George, right, and Nadia Jae, radio presenter, second right,

Their Royal Highnesses, together with The Royal Foundation and in partnership with The Mix and with the support of BBC Radio 1, hosted a forum for young people today

Their Royal Highnesses, together with The Royal Foundation and in partnership with The Mix and with the support of BBC Radio 1, hosted a forum for young people today

Prince William looked equally statesman-like in a sharp suit today as the royal couple arrived to discuss a subject close to their hearts as they host a forum for young people

Prince William looked equally statesman-like in a sharp suit today as the royal couple arrived to discuss a subject close to their hearts as they host a forum for young people

Prince William was all smiles as he chatted to people at the Birmingham engagement today

Prince William was all smiles as he chatted to people at the Birmingham engagement today

‘But, by gaining deeper insight into ourselves, we’ll be better equipped, to handle the external challenges we all encounter.

‘Today we heard the science and research that backs this up, and how crucial it is, that we develop the skills needed to navigate everything we will face in the future.

‘William and I believe we need to do all we can as a society to help young people develop the emotional and social life skills they need for good mental health, and to thrive in the world around them. Together, let’s build a brighter, more resilient future.’

After a rousing round of applause for Kate’s speech, William joined a panel discussion with Love Island star and telly medic Dr Alex George and mental health volunteers Michael Lister, 20, and Fatima Diallo, 21.

William said: ‘Catherine and I are here as a follow on from our Heads Together that started in 2016 trying to tackle the stigma or taboo around mental health.

‘We feel we made some progress in that we are in this room talking about mental health, and we are chipping away at that stigma but there is a lot more to do.

‘I think concrete action some sort of tangibility to come forwards is the idea of where we’d like to see the space go next.

‘So really today, particularly for me up here, is to hear from all you guys in the room, is about what is it that bothers you that affects your mental health, what do you want to see changed.

‘I need to listen and learn from you guys, you are at the stage in your life where there are a number of pressures on you, there are a number of concerns and to help us work, what we do next is to hear from you guys.

‘Being here today and sharing your experience, your thoughts helps really formulate a plan and allows everyone to understand a really important part of your future.’

During the panel discussion, Dr Alex asked William where in his mental health toolbox he reaches to cope with stress.

He joked: ‘You don’t want to open that part of the toolbox.’

Then said: ‘For me, just general maintenance so general mental health wellbeing like walking in fresh air, getting away from screens is a big deal, having a laugh, humour for me is a big deal, I love to laugh, you’ve got to look at lighter things in life so to feel good.

‘Time with friends, time with family, things like that really matter to me. It’s really important you have something for everything and that for me is all about leaning from you guys as well, as we speak, I’m thinking in my head what you are doing and managing and coping, is very useful strategy, I am learning off you as I go around.

Kate appeared interested as she moved around the room to chat to those in attendance

Kate appeared interested as she moved around the room to chat to those in attendance

The beaming Princess of Wales looked typically stylish in her yellow blazer and black trousers

The beaming Princess of Wales looked typically stylish in her yellow blazer and black trousers

The Princess of Wales appeared animated as she joined Prince William on the outing

The Princess of Wales appeared animated as she joined Prince William on the outing

‘I meet loads and loads of people and I always do that in background, because I know I’m going to come across some points when I’m like, I don’t have a tool for this particular moment, what do I do?

‘And so you always learn to adapt from other people and work out what tricks and tips and skills they’ve experienced that you can use yourself.’

Prince William also sat with young people taking part in a Community Action and Wellbeing workshop, speaking about how taking part in community projects help mental health

In William’s session was Harry Cleary who works for Movember charity, the Prince said: ‘I thought you’d ask me to grow a moustache’. Using his fingers to illustrate, the royal added: ‘Maybe I grow the curly bits.’

Harry said: ‘People in the office wanted me to ask you to grow a moustache.’

Kate, who has recently shaken up her wardrobe, ditching dresses for trouser suits as she ‘spreads her wings’ in her new role, according to insiders, opted for yet another tailored, clean-cut two-piece today.

Meanwhile Prince William looked equally statesman-like in a sharp suit today as the royal couple arrived to discuss a subject close to their hearts as they host a forum for young people. 

Later today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be in the Big Apple for their Archewell’s event, five months after their ‘near catastrophic car chase’ through the city

The Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Summit is aimed as helping families navigate children’s mental health and wellness in the digital age, PEOPLE reported.

The event has specifically invited parents who have experienced a loss due to or connected to their child’s social media us. 

‘The families have been engaged with The Archewell Foundation for the past year, bolstering community and driving towards solutions,’ a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE.  

‘Together, they are united in their mission to share personal experiences, data, and research to ensure the same does not happen to other families,’ they said. 

Meghan, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, will also be joined by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to discuss mental health in a panel hosted by Carson Daly. 

The pair – who are no strangers to advocacy work – were in New York in May for the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards, where Meghan was honoured. 

A statement from the Sussex’s spokesperson called the incident a ‘near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi.’ 

The spokesman said the couple, as well as Meghan’s mom Doria Ragland, were the victims of a ‘relentless pursuit lasting more than two hours.’ 

It has been suggested that they were trying not to be followed to where they were staying on the Upper East Side of the city. 

New York police subsequently told NBC that they did not believe the chase was ‘near catastrophic,’ however. They described it as a ‘bit of a chaotic scene’.

Julian Phillips, deputy commissioner of public information in New York also revealed that the NYPD ‘assisted’ the couple’s private security team.

New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed empathy – describing the actions of the paparazzi as ‘reckless’ and ‘irresponsible’ – but said he would find it ‘hard to believe’ there was a two-hour high speed chase.

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
247

Related posts

Bachelor’s Jade Roper shares emotional photo after miscarriage, surgery

BBC Brk News

James Marsden, 50, spotted kissing model Frederique Brons, 25, after Edei breakup

BBC Brk News

Howie Mandel pokes fun at Sofía Vergara’s divorce on ‘AGT’

BBC Brk News

Leave a Comment