PRINCESS Kate told children “kindness is key” as she joined them for a surprise art lesson marking Children’s Mental Health Week.
The Princess of Wales visited Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, today where she admired the school’s early years facilities and met pupils, staff and parents.
During the visit, the princess, who wore a brown blazer and trousers with a light blue shirt, joined a group of children aged nine to 11 in the south London school’s art studio.
She chatted to the youngsters about the importance of expressing their emotions, asking what made them feel good and safe.
Sitting at the head of a table laden with craft supplies, Kate admired the children’s work as they used coloured pencils, glue and pipe cleaners to create “belonging maps”.
The aim was to prompt them to think about the people, places and experiences that help them feel secure and connected.
“Kindness is key, that’s a very important message, isn’t it?” she said to one boy as she pointed to his work.
In the art session, Kate praised another boy’s drawing of a plane, saying he was “very talented” and shared her love of tennis with another girl.
Kate was also shown into the garden of the nursery attached to the school, noting how important it was for children who do not have their own outdoor spaces at home.
Speaking to one girl in an outdoor play area, the princess said her favourite colour was green, adding: “It reminds me of nature and being outside.”
Castle Hill Academy works in tandem with the charity Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, in order to help build trusted relationships, using creativity and play.
The charity founded the annual Children’s Mental Health Week, which this year has the theme This is My Place – encouraging youngsters to explore where they feel they belong and what helps them to feel safe and connected.
In one room, the princess met the mother of a boy who had received one to one counselling support from the charity after his father died while he was in reception.
His mother said that before the sessions, her son was withdrawn and “very quiet” but now “loves to talk” and recently performed in a school talent show.
The woman added that her son does not play an instrument or sing, to which Kate laughed and joked: “But he likes being on the stage.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss but being able to have that support and see how he’s thriving just shows the incredible work that’s going on,” the princess added.
Twice during the visit, Kate was greeted by rows of children waving colourful homemade flags who cheered the princess loudly as she appeared.
She stopped to admire one boy’s pink flag that was decorated with a drawing of the peace symbol.
Before she left, the princess was presented with a bunch of orange and yellow flowers by a group of children including the head girl and boy.
Kate told the two to “keep up the hard work”, adding that she had been “really, really impressed” by the school and its facilities.
Writing on Instagram stories after the visit, the princess said: “This year’s Place2Be Children’s Mental Health Week is about the importance of belonging.
“It can be easy to overlook the importance of the things that matter most; love, care and time spent together.
“Belonging and connection is so important, and is a fundamental part of early childhood development.
“As Patron of Place2Be, I am incredibly proud of the work they do to support families and communities to nurture children and young people.
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