William’s radio ‘mental health minute’

IT is a subject he has never been shy to tackle head-on.

Now the Duke of Cambridge has joined Stephen Fry and pop star Katy Perry in recording a message to emphasise the importance of talking about mental illness. Lasting 60 seconds, it will be broadcast simultaneously across hundreds of UK radio stations today at 11am.

Prince William recorded the ‘mental health minute’ along with Miss Perry, Fry, actress Jameela Jamil and singer Alesha Dixon, who have all spoken openly about their own struggles. The precise details of their message was still under wraps last night.

The project marks a collaboration between Radiocentre, the industry body for commercial radio, and Heads Together, the mental health campaign spearheaded by Royal Foundation – the charitable vehicle for Prince William, Prince Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan. The quartet last week launched a campaign to find 3,000 volunteers to support those with mental health problems via a free 24/7 service, called Shout, offering instant support via text message.

Lorraine Heggessey, chief executive of The Royal Foundation, said: ‘We are so grateful to be working with Radiocentre who have bought the radio industry together... to remind everyone of the power of listening, and let them know about the plethora of mental health volunteering opportunities they can get involved in in the UK.’