William and Kate visited south Wales on Tuesday (28th Feb). The royal couple—who have held the titles Prince and Princess of Wales since September—visited the region ahead of St David’s Day—the national day of Wales—celebrated annually on March 1st.
The pair visited the region to meet local communities, champion mental health initiatives and show support to those who work in the emergency services.
The visit was the couple’s second “community impact day“—a new model of royal engagement created by William and Kate with the aim of creating notable change in the areas they visit; this model is a break from the traditional mould of royal engagements, and is intended to have a lasting, positive impact on the ground.
The couple’s first visit of the day took place at Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre in Llanhara near Pontyclun. Brynawel is the leading residential centre for the treatment of alcohol and drug dependencies in Wales.
Here, Wiliam and Kate were shown plans for a therapy garden—which will include allotments, a communal sensory and herbal garden, a mud kitchen and an interactive learning space.
Brynawel’s therapy garden is just one of many William and Kate will launch across south Wales through their charity, the Royal Foundation, in the coming months. The Royal Foundation will collaborate with Life at No. 27., a non-profit gardening and wellbeing therapy organisation that provides horticultural therapy and mental health counselling.
Life at No. 27 uses nature, conversation, and human connection to support individuals experiencing mental illness, low confidence, self-esteem, and isolation.
Eventually, residents experiencing mental ill health in the wider community will be able to access the garden via a GP referral.
Next, the couple travelled to Port Talbot to visit the Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre. The royal couple were warmly received by the staff and locals and given a comprehensive tour of the facilities. They watched an athletics and gymnastics session in the centre’s large indoor sports hall.
The couple even got involved, once again showing off their competitive sides (and fitness levels) by taking part in a ‘spin bike competition.’ Watch the moment below at around 0:38 seconds:
The pair also met professional Welsh athletes, Harrison Walsh and Hannah Brier, in the centre.
During the visit William and Kate held conversations about the importance of physical activity and how sports can support mental wellbeing.
The Prince and Princess of Wales who have been advocates for promoting mental health awareness in the UK over the last decade. They both value the importance of sports and physical activity in promoting mental and physical health, as well as changing lives for the better. As a keen sportswoman herself, Kate has always had a passion for outdoor activities such as tennis, hockey, and sailing. She firmly believes that physical health is essential for mental wellbeing and is committed to ensuring that young people have access to outdoor activities and sports. This commitment is reflected through both her patronages and her work through The Royal Foundation.
After the indoor session, William and Kate went outside for a walkabout to greet the enthusiastic crowd who had gathered outside, including a group of local schoolchildren. Kate received flowers and William cooed over a cute baby.
Source : KateMiddletonstyle
