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Princess of Wales Marks Children’s Mental Health Week With Hands-On School Visit Focused on Belonging

Her visit emphasized Place2Be’s whole‑school support and early‑years principles, including a Deloitte‑funded therapeutic play space.

Overview

  • At Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, she joined pupils creating “belonging maps” and told them “kindness is key” during an art session.
  • She met parents, teachers and Place2Be practitioners to hear how trusted relationships, creativity and play help children express emotions and build confidence.
  • She began in the Early Years outdoor area designed to Place2Be therapeutic guidelines, a space financed by Deloitte through The Royal Foundation’s Business Task Force for Early Childhood.
  • Place2Be CEO Catherine Roche praised her as genuine and said she created an uplifting atmosphere, noting a quiet moment when the Princess wished a young girl a happy birthday.
  • The Princess adopted a more casual, approachable look with a chocolate-brown suit, a light-blue shirt and Boden penny loafers, accessorized with Kiki McDonough blue topaz earrings.