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CoronavirusPrince & Princess of Wales

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge put fresh focus on mental health

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have raised concerns over the impact of the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown on mental health. And the couple are urging everyone in Britain to focus on their emotional wellbeing as the pandemic continues.

Their comments came as they front a new initiative focused on helping people with their mental health. The Duke and Duchess have narrated a campaign for Every Mind Matters which supports people to find ways of coping in these challenging times.

Speaking to the BBC via video link, the Duke of Cambridge said that the past weeks had seen pressure pile up for many people as they coped with a new way of life while the Duchess of Cambridge said while the focus on physical health was important ”we mustn’t forget our mental well-being as well.”

The couple added that it was important that people knew where to get support and acknowledged that many may be experiencing mental health issues for the first time during the pandemic. William said ”those who do need help… and haven’t necessarily ever had to think about their mental well-being, start to do that in this weird climate we’re in.”

And they highlighted the issues being faced by NHS workers, revealing that they have spent a lot of time talking by phone to those on the front line. The Duke of Cambridge said ”The experiences the frontline workers are going through now, is like nothing that anyone has ever seen. A lot of them are putting their lives and their health on the line for all of us..I’ve also been hearing that there are those working in the NHS who understandably are nervous, are anxious and this hero tag that we’re attaching to the NHS workers, albeit it’s totally valid, we’ve got to be careful we don’t alienate some of the other NHS workers who do really genuinely worry and are scared going to work every single day.’

The Duchess of Cambridge added ”The NHS and the frontline workers are doing the most extraordinary jobs and I think it’s going to dramatically change how we all value and see our front-line workers”.

The couple are encouraging people to use the NHS tool, Every Mind Matters, which provides ideas and support with mental health and have voiced their backing in a new video, to be broadcast on UK networks from April 17th.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.