The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, had a heartfelt and open conversation with young pupils during her visit to Bath for Mental Health Awareness Week on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023.
Kate visited the Percy Community Centre in Bath to observe the impactful work being done by the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, a charity founded by the athlete in 2008. The trust utilizes sports stars as mentors to empower young people, helping them develop the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in education, work, and life, as reported by the Daily Mail.
During her visit, Kate took the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with the girls from St Katherine’s School in Bristol, who are currently receiving support from the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
According to Dame Kelly, who shared details of the conversation with The Sun, the students were curious about Kate’s experience as a royal and whether it was a role she aspired to.
Kelly revealed that Kate shared her personal journey of becoming a royal, emphasizing that it was something she had to learn after falling in love with her now-husband, Prince William. The Duchess acknowledged the challenges of acceptance, fitting in, and the continuous learning process associated with her royal position. By sharing her experiences, she humanized the role and conveyed that nobody is perfect.
Quoting Kate, Kelly said, “It’s a struggle to know that you can be accepted and fit in, and you are still learning every day. It doesn’t matter what you have or what people perceive you to have, as an individual, you’re still going to have those insecurities.”
During the conversation, Kate also opened up about her own struggles with public speaking, acknowledging that it was not a natural talent for her. She shared that she is still working on it and emphasized that nobody is perfect. By showcasing her vulnerabilities, she further connected with the students and reassured them that everyone faces challenges and insecurities.
Kate’s candid conversation during Mental Health Awareness Week shed light on the personal challenges she has faced and her ongoing commitment to personal growth. Her ability to connect with young people and discuss topics such as insecurities and continuous learning resonated with the students, highlighting the importance of open and honest conversations surrounding mental health.
Kate’s visit to the Percy Community Centre and her interaction with the students exemplified her dedication to raising awareness about mental health and supporting initiatives that empower young individuals to overcome challenges and strive for success in all aspects of life.
