The Prince and Princess of Wales will take over BBC Radio’s Newsbeat show to discuss mental health as part of World Mental Health Day.
William and Catherine recorded their episode on October 10th 2022, speaking to young people and mental health experts to discuss strategies for young people to work on their mental health.
The Prince and Princess spoke with Dr. Abigail Miranda, António Ferreria, Ben Cowley, and Emma Hardwell for the episode, discussing young people and mental wellbeing.
“Newsbeat isn’t just about delivering the news – we’re here to be a friend too, and a place our listeners can find support and advice when they need it,” said the show’s editor, Danielle Dyer.
“Talking about mental wellbeing without stigma or judgment is so key and its brilliant to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales to our reporting team for the day, to join us in such a vital conversation.”
Their guests include an educational and child psychologist, a mental health activist, a registered music therapist and Assistant Mental Health Advisor for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; and a Youth Participation Officer with The Mix charity.
The conversation was hosted by Pria Rai, Newsbeat’s presenter, who wrote in a post on the BBC Radio website: “The prince and princess made for brilliant Newsbeat reporters – they came in relaxed and keen to chat to our panellists, doing the key part of every reporter’s job by putting them at ease before we took to our mics.
“They engaged with issues including the pressures of social media, to raising young people to speak openly about their feelings.
“We talk to our audience every day, but listening to them is just as much of a priority and I got the impression this was echoed by the prince and princess as they spoke about keeping the discussion around mental health going – something you could tell was important to them both.
“I told them I’m keeping the presenter’s chair warm for their next visit!”
In a preview clip of the programme, the Princess of Wales said: “The first step for all of us is to keep having those conversations and keep reaching out for help,” while The Prince of Wales added that the royal couple were there to “have a meaningful conversation about mental health.”
“It’s been fantastic to welcome The Prince and Princess of Wales back to our studios to discuss something that is so close to both their and our audience’s hearts,” said Aled Haydn Jones, the Head of BBC Radio 1. “What was discussed today will resonate with so many of our listeners and it means so much to us that we can all work together to help tackle the stigma around this issue.”
William and Catherine’s special episode of Newsbeat will air on Tuesday at 12:45 pm and again at 5:45 pm.
