Prince William paid an unexpected visit to a school in the West Midlands, where he not only praised a young student’s mental health initiatives but also spoke about his wife, Kate Middleton.
The Prince of Wales’s visit was a surprise brought about by a young boy named Freddie Hadley, who was surprised to see the heir arriving at his school.
Prince William visits the West Midlands and talks about Kate
Prince William’s visit to St Michael’s Church of England High School on Thursday was unannounced as it was a surprise for Hadley.
The young boy came to the attention of William and Kate when he sent them a touching letter during World Mental Health Day last October 2023.
Freddie had contacted the future King, telling him in detail about the mental health initiatives he and his peers were promoting at his school.
The 12-year-old never imagined that his heartfelt words would strike a chord with Prince William himself, let alone that he would visit his school.
Prince William, moved by all that Freddie had told him, instructed his team to arrange a surprise visit to the school.
And so it was, William’s team organized the surprise visit together with the school officials, who told the young man that they would receive the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
As everyone waited outside the school a caravan of cars arrived and it wasn’t until Freddie saw William getting out of the car that he realized the unexpected surprise.
The young student and his classmates were stunned when the son of King Charles III approached to greet him.
Approaching Freddie, the Prince greeted him in a friendly manner.
“So this is the young lad who started it all off. Very nice to see you, thank you for your letter,” he exclaimed, the heir to the throne with a smile.
Freddie, quite the gentleman, with a mixture of astonishment and nerves, responded with a polite “You’re very welcome.”
Another poignant moment came as Prince William spoke to the school staff.
King Charles’ son offering a heartfelt update on his wife, Kate Middleton. “I am sorry Catherine can’t be here as well,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. “She would have loved to.”
The Princess of Wales is currently undergoing preventive chemotherapy treatment.
Kate revealed in March that she was diagnosed with cancer following her planned abdominal surgery.
“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she said in her video statement.
The princess confessed that receiving the news came as a great shock to her and her family.
“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” she said.
Kate’s heartfelt statement prompted an international outpouring of support from world leaders, celebrities and royal fans.