Princess of Wales visits northern England

The Princess of Wales undertook several engagements in the north of England on Tuesday.

The Princess of Wales was in northern England on Tuesday, 27th January, shining a light on the healing power of creativity, community, and nature for individuals who have experienced trauma, isolation, or poor mental health. It’s a cause that Catherine has long been passionate about. The Princess of Wales, then Duchess of Cambridge, became Joint Patron of the mental health initiative Heads Together, supported by The Royal Foundation, in 2016.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The day started with a visit to Family Action’s Children’s Trauma Therapy Service. Family Action provides “specialist therapy service providing trauma and attachment-focused therapy for children and their families in Bradford District.”

The Princess met with staff therapists and learned how creative therapies are particularly helpful for children to process traumas.

At Family Action, the Princess also had the opportunity to meet with several families and children who have used the services. She joined a creative therapy session to understand how play can be used as a vehicle for healing.

A lovely moment between the Princess and a young girl was heard when Catherine raised a shell to her ear and said, “You can sometimes hear the sea!”

The Princess then travelled to the Wakefield Trinity Rugby League (RFL) Club in Wakefield. The Princess has been Royal Patron of the Rugby Football League since 2022.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Today, Catherine had the opportunity to meet with several staff and players at the Club, which offers mental health outreach programmes. The Princess joined the In Touch programme that provides an open space for local elderly persons within the local community. The programme hosts quizzes, workshops, and stadium tours to tackle social isolation.

While at the Club, she met with Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Performance and Development. The Princess also engaged with young people from the Inspiring Futures programme, which supports those who are at risk of antisocial behaviour and youth crime through goal setting, stress management, and team building.

The Princess then headed out to the rugby pitch and joined a skills session with girls from Wakefield’s Champion Schools competition.