The royal couple’s three children also got something.
Prince William is slowly easing back into his royal duties following the announcement that Kate Middleton is undergoing treatment for cancer. A week after resuming his public engagements, the Prince of Wales headed to St. Michael’s Church of England High School on Thursday, Apr. 25 to check out a student-led initiative promoting better mental health—and it was clear that his wife’s health was on the class’s mind. He reportedly left the event with thoughtful gifts for Princess Catherine, as well as some presents for his three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The visit was extra-meaningful, as the Birmingham school first caught Prince William and Kate Middleton’s attention back in October 2023. On World Mental Health Day, a 12-year-old student named Freddie Hadley invited the royal couple to visit the school for the launch of the school’s #AmIManlyEnough campaign, which aims to address and raise awareness about high suicide rates among young men. At the time, the Duke personally shared his regrets on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Good afternoon Freddie, I’m so sorry Catherine and I can’t be with you and the rest of the students at St Michael’s today. Tackling mental health challenges and stigmas head on is so important, please keep up this important work.”
While the Princess of Wales wasn’t able to make the event, it was clear she was there in spirit as Prince William left the engagement laden with gifts for his family. Kerry Whitehouse, one of the school’s senior mental health officials, reportedly told People that the gift basket included meaningful items like Lego sunflowers.
According to Whitehouse, “building things is therapeutic and sunflowers represent happiness, positivity, and strength” while the seeds represent sowing “seeds of positivity.” They also included a crocheted starfish and a story about making a difference to lift the mom-of-three’s spirits.
According to the official, Prince William “thanked us and said the Lego would go down well in the house.” The gift pack also included some presents for the royal children, including emotion wheels, positivity cards, and crocheted “well-being worms.”
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