Mental Health Minute 2022: 'Together We Can Tackle Loneliness', a Top Gun 2 Date & Royal Updates

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have once again participated in recording a message broadcast across 500 radio stations simultaneously and reaching over twenty million listeners. It is the fifth year William and Kate have joined the message, and for the first time this year, it features their voices solely. In previous times we saw multiple well-known names involved. The couple began by introducing themselves, saying: "Hello, I'm Catherine. And I'm William. And we'd like to talk for just one minute about loneliness."

Mental Health Minute was produced by Heads Together and is one of a number of legacy projects and efforts currently active. It is in support of Shout 85258 -- the UK's first 24/7 text messaging service, which was created by the Royal Foundation.

People reports:

"So if you think someone you know may be feeling lonely, just give them a ring, send them a text or knock on their door," Kate said.

William followed, "Maybe suggest meeting for a cup of tea or a walk."

"Because these small acts of kindness can make a big difference and help us all feel less lonely," Kate added.

Prince William then shared his apologies for "interrupting every radio station in the country."

"But if we interrupt the lives of those who are feeling alone," Kate said for William to finish, "We can help lift them out of loneliness."

The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week is tackling loneliness.

The Mental Health Foundation said: "One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution. After all, we’re all different! But, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling lonely than others. For Mental Health Awareness Week this year, we're raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it."

The Royal Foundation's text line Shout published a helpful and insightful post on meaningful connections:

'A meaningful connection is a two-way street where both people get something positive and useful from the relationship. It requires engagement, empathy and consistency.

Meaningful connections can provide an antidote to loneliness and can also be a vital component for maintaining good mental wellbeing. That’s why our Shout Volunteer training is largely based on making meaningful connections with people in distress.

For many texters, Shout is their first point of meaningful contact. 42% of texters say that they felt they had no one else to talk to before reaching out to Shout. Feedback confirms that people who use Shout most appreciate being listened to and feeling understood. Having the opportunity to talk is vital and, by doing so, we encourage social connectedness, which increases our resilience.'

The simple steps we can all take according to Shout.

Shout continues to provide support to people from all over the UK around the clock. It's an important week to note they are quite urgently in need of new volunteers. If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to get involved, please click here.

The Duchess wore her Altuzarra Aimee dress. Below, Kate wearing it for a 2016 Heads Together engagement. 

The button-front stretch-woven dress features a V neckline, half sleeves, light ruching at front and inner arms, a slit, a slim silhouette and straight hem. 

Kate accessorised with pearl earrings.

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After William and Kate's engagements on Wednesday, the couple joined the nation in sharing their sadness at the news cancer research campaigner Deborah James is receiving end-of-life hospice care. I know some of you mentioned being familiar with Deborah's heartbreaking and ceaselessly courageous journey. She is the definition of an inspiration and embodies a selflessness we all admire. In recognition of Deborah's fundraising and advocacy efforts, it was announced yesterday she is to receive a Damehood. It is so richly deserved and a testament to the impact Ms James has had.

"We tried absolutely everything"

As #YouMeBigC's Deborah James [@bowelbabe] stops active cancer treatment, she catches up with Producer Mike [@mikeholt12] one last time

You, Me and the Big C | Listen on @BBCSounds

— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) May 11, 2022

The BBC reports:

'The mother-of-two has raised more than £3.7m since Monday, after she announced she had stopped having treatment.

She is spending her remaining time at her parents' home, with her family.

Damehoods and knighthoods are usually announced as part of the New Year Honours or the Queen's Birthday Honours. But, in exceptional circumstances, some are announced at other times of the year - as happened with Captain Sir Tom Moore's knighthood.

Downing Street confirmed the granting of the honour in a press release, which said: "The Queen has been pleased to approve that the honour of Damehood be conferred upon Deborah James."

The Cambridges donated to her fundraiser, Bowel Babe, to aid cancer research in the UK. It has reached almost £4 million and continues to climb. If you would like to donate, click here. Deborah's much lauded book F*** You Cancer is available at Amazon, and her podcast, You, Me and the Big C, is available on Apple.

Reacting to news of the Damehood, Ms James said she was "blown away" and "crying at the honour".

UPDATE: William paid a special visit to Deborah and her family to award the Damehood. Deborah was delighted and deeply touched. Afterwards she said: "Prince William actually came to our family house today!! I am utterly honoured that he joined us for afternoon tea and champagne, where he not only spent a generous amount of time talking to my whole family but also honoured me with my Damehood. It’s quite surreal having a royal pop in at home, and yes you can imagine the cleaning antics and preparation went off the scale - but it was all irrelevant because William was so kind and he put us all at ease. He is clearly passionate about improving oncology outcomes as the President of the Royal Marsden. It was such a special day for my whole family, making memories to last a life time. He’s welcome back any time".

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In fashion updates, Kate's CEFINN Riley Funnel Neck blouse is available in several sizes and for pre-order in sizes 8-16.

Kate's mint Self-Portrait dress worn on tour is available in several sizes at Net-A-Porter.

And Kate's Veja Esplar sneakers are in stock at Neiman Marcus.

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When it comes to calendar updates it doesn't get much more exciting than news the Duke and Duchess will attend the premiere of Top Gun 2: Maverick on Thursday, 19 May at Leicester Square. The premiere will be hosted by Paramount Pictures and The Film and TV Charity and will be the 72nd Royal Film Performance™ delivered by the charity in its almost 100-year history. The couple will spend time with the cast including Tom Cruise who reportedly invited William and Kate to a private screening of the film in early April. It's understood Beatrice and Eugenie were also there. After Kate's Bond premiere entrance in a show-stopping Jenny Packham gown, the fashion bar is high. There would be zero complaints if Kate decides to take it out of her wardrobe again :)

Before that, there's a very special royal event in store on Sunday night when a host of royals gather for the Royal Windsor Horse Show - a Gallop Through History. The Celebration will see more than 500 horses and 1000 performers create a 90-minute piece of spellbinding arena theatre that will include actors and artists, musicians, international military displays from the Commonwealth, Europe and our own Armed Forces, dancers and global equestrian displays. Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi walked the red carpet for the preview today. Beatrice wore a floral Susie gown by a brand Kate loves -- the Vampire's Wife.

Princess Beatrice looked STUNNING as she and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrived at the charity preview of the A Gallop Through History event as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Windsor on Wednesday night
📸 Getty Images pic.twitter.com/LhOTkSKVVb

— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) May 12, 2022

The most adorable part will be a surprise starring role by a number of the Queen's great-grandchildren travelling in a carriage procession. You'll remember this rehearsal video from a couple of weeks ago.

👇The Queen’s GREAT-grandchildren will pay a sweet tribute to her at next Sunday’s, 15 May, Windsor Horse Show’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration - Gallop Through History - Jubilee Pageant, riding together in a horse-drawn carriage. pic.twitter.com/JAF0SG6rP0 https://t.co/UjgFRMUL3o

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Court (@ddofccourt) May 8, 2022

Speaking of Her Majesty, it was simply splendid to see her in attendance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Queen was delighted to see her horse Balmoral Leia named supreme champion. It certainly looks promising she will be there Sunday night.

Embed from Getty Images

It will be televised on ITV from 8.15 pm and I'll have full coverage here.