William, Kate and Harry had a go at boxing and DJing yesterday, as the trio officially launched their Heads Together campaign, to raise awareness for mental health causes.
At Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Royals arrived to begin their campaign to end the stigma surrounding mental health, with the cause that is the 2017 London Marathon charity.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arriving for the launch of their Heads Together campaign at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
Heads Together is an umbrella organisation which brings together eight of the UK’s leading mental health charities, including a few of Catherine’s patronages, Place2Be, Mind, and Action on Addiction.
WILLIAM KATE & HARRY LAUNCH MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN IN KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS
To start off the day, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended a reception with more than 100 representatives of the eight charities.
Here, the trio gave a joint speech: “Too often, people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health,” Kate said. “This fear of judgement stops people from getting the help they need, which can destroy families and end lives.
“Heads Together wants to help everyone feel much more confident with their everyday mental health, and to have the practical tools to support their friends and family.”
#PrinceHarry chats beards & #malesuicide with @Jamieisrunning @TheSidesofMarch @marcuschapman PIC:@paulie_dv pic.twitter.com/AfpF13lEPw
— CALM (@theCALMzone) May 16, 2016
“We do not want prejudice and fear to stand in the way of people getting the help they need to cope with life,” Prince Harry added.
The Duke went on to say: “The more we talk about mental health, the more normal the topic becomes, and the more we feel able to open up and seek support.
Look out for The Duchess on @babybuddyapp #HeadsTogether – supporting parents through pregnancy and beyond pic.twitter.com/Awc2p3q7Rs
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 16, 2016
“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. This is relevant to everyone.”
It was then onto some workshops, where all three Royals had a go at boxing with a former professional, as exercise
is known to relieve stress and improve mental well-being.
Boxercise @MindCharity
The charity encourages physical exercise for mental wellbeing #HeadsTogether pic.twitter.com/7ox5QLnv8X
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 16, 2016
Prince Harry threw some heavy punches, with Duke McKenzie – the boxer who practised with them – saying: “He was giving me the eye and I think he wanted to take me out!”
Prince Harry revealed that he uses boxing as a way of getting rid of stress, and McKenzie said: “Harry’s a banger make no mistake about it. He runs like a Bentley or a Rolls Royce – he purrs quite well. I’ve boxed my whole life and he’s got a fair punch on him.”
The former Army captain said he likes to use the sport to de-stress.
Kate’s punch was less powerful, but McKenzie said she “had a mean right jab”.
Music is another good outlet for mental health, and the Duchess added one of her favourite uplifting songs – Emile Sande’s ‘Heaven’ to the playlist, while Prince Harry opted for a running song of his, Naughty Boy’s ‘Runnin’.
The trio got to visit some of the individual charities tents, so Harry had a go at giant Jenga, whilst Prince William was interviewed by a male suicide charity. The Duchess saw the recreation space for children and also took a look at a parenting app.
The Duke @theCALMzone, The Duchess @Place2Be and @MindCharity and Prince Harry @contactarmedfo1 #HeadsTogether pic.twitter.com/OcFRaf9wD9
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 16, 2016
William, Catherine and Harry are using their charitable foundation, The Royal Foundation, to support their biggest project yet.
