Royals raise awareness of mental wellbeing at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The duke of Cambridge with place2be staff and pupils from Curwen Primary School (Image: Julie Burley)

The aim, according to the Duchess of Cambridge, is to open up the discussion on mental health by promoting the work that charities do to combat the issue.

“Too often, people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health. This fear of judgment stops people from getting the help they need, which can destroy families and end lives,” she said.

Her husband added that it was important for people to speak about mental health because it removes any stigma attached to it and enables people to open up about the matter.

The Duke said: “By asking for help, by telling a friend we have a problem, by asking someone else how they feel – by having a conversation – we take the first step to feeling better about ourselves – and the first step to being able to cope better with the ups and downs of life.”

A pupil from Curwen Primary School greets the Duchess of Cambridge. (Image: Julie Burley)

Prince Harry pledged that the three royals will be fighting for the cause throughout the year.

“As the year progresses, the three of us – working with all of you in this room and others who will join us along the way – want to come up with practical ways of providing everyone who needs help with the right support and care,” he said.

Among those in attendance at the event were pupils from Curwen Primary School as a representative for the children’s mental health organisation place2be.

“We were delighted to have met the royal party at this very important event particularly as the school has worked closely with Place2Be for some time in supporting the emotional well-being of our pupils and their families,” said Paul Harris, executive headteacher at the school in Atlas Road, Plaistow.

Pupil Maggie Fagbohun added: “it was lovely to meet William, Kate and Harry who were all really humble and kind.”