SCHOOL DAZE!
Knock-knock, it’s William! The heir kept his promise to a young student
Aboy who invited Prince William to visit his school got the shock of his life when the heir to the throne actually turned up.
Last year, Freddie Hadley, 12, wrote to the Prince of Wales, telling him about a male mental health initiative at his school that he was part of. He invited the royal to attend an event as part of a campaign that they were running, called Am I Manly Enough?, in October and posted the letter on social media.
William saw the letter and replied, saying he couldn’t attend, but to keep up the good work. In the meantime, he asked his staff to arrange a visit to the school in central England, near Birmingham, the next time he was in the area.
Last week, Freddie was told a local dignitary would be coming to talk to him and other students about the campaign, but had no idea it was William until he showed up.
A delighted Freddie said afterwards, “I couldn’t get my head around it. I’m just standing there and I see Prince William walking down the drive.”
William, 41, told a member of staff, “Lots of people write letters, but Freddie’s was really well written. I promised I would come.”
He spent an hour with Freddie and the other students talking about their mental health initiative, which includes a radio show that features a jokes segment. William contributed a “knockknock” joke he said was one of eight-year-old Princess Charlotte’s favourite.
“William was a really nice person,” shared
Freddie. “We told him what we do to manage our mental health and he told us how he’s been interested in it.
It’s been an exciting day.”
The King has said a heartfelt thank you to a senior working royal by breaking with protocol to give her a top honour.
Charles made the Duchess of Gloucester a Royal Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, an honour normally only given to women born into the royal family or those who are married to a monarch or heir to the throne.
Danish-born former secretary Birgitte, 77, has been carrying out royal duties since she married the Queen’s cousin, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, 79, in 1972. She is associated with more than 60 organisations.
Royal insiders say His Majesty wanted to recognise the duchess’ hard work and dedication over the years. He has continued to rely on her and her husband since he stepped back due to his cancer diagnosis.
Giving her the honour sets a precedent and opens the door for other hardworking royal spouses, like Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to also be welcomed into the prestigious ancient order.