Will & Kate’s lifeline
PRINCE William and wife Kate have been thanked for helping set up a text helpline that stopped a 12-year-old boy taking his own life.
The boy’s parents told the royals how he contacted Shout 85258 – developed by the couple’s Royal Foundation – and a volunteer supported him before the boy rang the police for help.
In a video call, the boy’s father told William and Kate: “We know the conversation that Shout had with our son was enough to save his life. It was pivotal and that is amazing.” The parents, who have not been identified along with the boy, said their son is now doing well and looking forward to returning to school. William praised the family for sharing their experience. He said: “You guys doing this, talking about it like you are now, will make a huge difference and definitely save other people’s lives.”
‘‘ Diana would have made Meghan feel so welcome and so wanted
THE saddest aspect of the latest royal shenanigans in the wake of Harry and Meghan’s escape to the US, is the falling out of two brothers who, in the aftermath of the loss of their dearly loved mum, formed a solid bond of much-needed support and love.
I’ve seen William and Harry on stage together, and one-to-one, at various charity events playfully joshing and ribbing each other, happy and comfortable in each other’s company.
Sensitive, kind, self-deprecating and funny, they embody the best characteristics of both parents.
Mostly their mum’s, of course, who whenever I saw her in action at various film premieres or charity gatherings was always, by far, the warmest, kindest, most vivacious person in the room.
She commanded every space she occupied with her gentle demeanour, her concern, her compassion, her
interest, her eye for the odd ones out, as well as that dazzling smile.
The depth of her care and attention to strangers never waned. She was happy if everyone else in the room was happy, particularly looking out for the most vulnerable.
Oh, how they must miss their mum, though.
Her openness, her lack of guile, her giddiness at the very sight of her two young sons. She would have made Meghan feel so welcome, so wanted and she’d have steered her through the minefields dotted around every corner of royal life.
I cannot believe that Meghan has not been offered more help, more counsel, more care, in the wake of what happened to Diana.
Harry has said he was afraid of history repeating itself, which is why he’s chosen America as his family’s new home.
They’ll certainly command attention on the other side of the pond, but as showbiz is a kind of US royalty, and they know just how to handle it, Harry and Meghan will be in good hands.
Now, let’s leave them alone to enjoy their new lives.
And let’s hope that for the two brothers, absence will make their hearts grow fonder.