Prince William visited a high school to learn about how pupils are being supported with their mental health after being invited by a 12-year-old boy.
The Prince of Wales dropped in to St Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, Sandwell, following the invite from Freddie Hadley, 12.
Freddie told William today that he had written to him for his help to get the message out there that it is ok to talk about mental health.
William even revealed Princess Charlotte’s favourite joke to pupils when he sat down with them.
William was asked to join the pupils for a segment on the school’s radio where he was quizzed on his favourite dad joke.
He said: ‘I’m kind of trying to channel Jack Whitehall because most of his jokes are pretty dad-like.’
William then told a knock-knock joke about ‘Interrupting Cow’ instead, saying it’s currently Princess Charlotte’s favourite, adding: ‘That’s one I hear a lot at home at the moment.’
Others around the table asked ‘Interrupting Cow who?’ before William let out a massive ‘moo’.
Prince William shakes hands with 12-year-old Freddie who invited him along to the school
Freddie explained to William the work they are doing at the school (Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Freddie’s letter to William
William speaking with students about mental health during a visit to the school (Picture: Oli Scarff/PA Wire)
Freddie posted his letter to William on X last October during World Mental Health Day, in which he asked the prince to visit the school and find out about its Matrix Project, which was set up to shine a spotlight on male mental health.
William 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’
On World Mental Health Day, William and Princess Kate had visited Birmingham and called for more mental health support.
She gave a speech to young people at the city’s Factory Works for a day of workshops.
Today at the school, William met representatives of the school’s student voice committee to learn about its various initiatives.
The body is made up of around 100 students who meet at lunchtimes and after school and it was formed in 2012.
Initiatives developed by the pupils range from fundraising to mental health and working with elderly members of the community.
