Monday 10 October 2022

The Prince & Princess of Wales Take Over Newsbeat for World Mental Health Day

Good evening, dear readers,

Today is World Mental Health Day -- a global day to raise awareness and perhaps take a moment to ask someone in our lives, or indeed ourselves, "How do you feel?" It's a reminder to check in on someone who may need a reassuring hug or just a chat with a friend or relative over a coffee. You'll all remember marking the day became a staple for the royals before and after Heads Together. To mark World Mental Health Day 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales took over BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat programme to record a special which will air at 12.45pm tomorrow.

More from the BBC:

'The royals-turned-reporters visited Radio 1's Live Lounge to hear from four guests about their experiences.

They included a young mental health advocate who recently advised writers on TV soap EastEnders about a schizophrenia storyline.

The full show, recorded on World Mental Health Day, airs on Tuesday on Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network.

During the discussion, the prince and princess spoke about stigmas around mental health, the pressures of social media and ways to equip young people with the tools to open up about how they're feeling.'

In a preview shared on the BBC today, Kate told listeners: "Newsbeat will sound slightly different on Tuesday. The first step for all of us is to keep having those conversations and keep reaching out for help." William said they convened the group to "have a meaningful conversation about mental health". "There's no right or wrong, that's the thing as well. Different things will work for different people," Kate added.


 Newsbeat presenter Pria Rai said:

'The Radio 1 Live Lounge is usually the backdrop for A-list popstars, but this time the stage was set for something different.

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 reporters' 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!'

Kate sported the ZARA blazer she last wore for a visit to Little Village in Brent in June.

Below, a closer look at the Inverted Lapel Long Blazer.


Kate accessorised with a new statement necklace.


Carly from Kate Middleton Style has been on a roll of late with ID's and very quickly identified the necklace as a Laura Lombardi piece. Carly shared confirmation from the brand in this tweet.


The Luisa Necklace is described as: "Hand assembled 14kt gold plated brass necklace. Cast heart shaped pendant. Hand made oval link detail. Necklace measures 16" in length."


More on the New York-based brand:
'Brooklyn-based designer Laura Lombardi creates clean-lined, minimal jewelry that plays with proportion and scale. Each piece is handcrafted from a mix of new, recycled and reclaimed metals that Lombardi finds on her travels. Don’t miss the ‘Ruota’ hoop earrings - seen on the likes of Emma Watson and Tracee Ellis Ross.

Laura Lombardi is committed to local manufacturing - most of her pieces are made in New York, where she works with a Brooklyn-based brass mill'.

I'm hoping the full programme will be shared online after it airs.

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The Princess shared a special video message in her role as patron of the Rugby Football Union. Kate wished the 'Red Roses' the very best of luck as they compete in the Rugby World Cup and said she'll be "setting her alarm clock early" to follow their progress.

People reports:

'"Hello, everyone. I wanted to take a moment to wish the Red Roses all the very best of luck for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand," Kate, 40, said. "I had so much fun with you all at Twickenham earlier this year, and I cannot wait to see how you get on during the tournament."

For many of the team, this will be the first World Cup you've played in. Congratulations on being selected for the squad. I know this will be a particularly proud moment in your career so far, and I hope you enjoy every minute," she continued. "I was also delighted to hear that some of the winning squad from 2014 are back to help bring the cup home again."'

In fitting fashion, the Princess donned red. Kate sported a ZARA blazer we first saw in Copenhagen in February.

Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough citrine drops.

And she also wore a small rose brooch.

I'll see you tomorrow!

22 comments:

  1. Thanks Charlotte, I just saw that on the news. The work they have done and continue to do is just amazing and so important. I think we all need to learn more about it. Be understanding of those who are suffering, some unfortunately in silence. Absolutely nothing wrong with asking, are you OK or how are you doing. I like the white blazer. I love the new necklace, would prefer it in solid gold. 😉. When I looked at the first picture of it, I thought it was a acorn. I would of liked to see a close up of the brooch. S. ☺

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  2. I enjoy following the Duchess style and usually am in awe, but this one doesn’t appeal to me at all. Necklace looks to heavy, I know it should look this way, but is not doing a stylish job. And makes a kitschy impression. Also… she looks older. I am disappointed. First time I guess.

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    1. No so much older as tired and washed out. That aggressive red and the green background is not flattering at all.

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  3. I love the blazer but don’t like the necklace - it does look kitschy and cheap imo. And I do feel she has her hair way too long. It looks way best when sleek and more polished. I guess she looks a bit weary but heavens, they have just had to go through a huge bereavement which had to be endured publicly and she has three young children to keep normal and grounded. I think they do an amazing job of that from what we can see. So she has a pass today from me on the look. The new roles and amount of work they are having to adjust to must be enormous. Their work is not just when we see them in public - there is so much preparation for any public event and there is all the private work too. So I think there’s a big change in their lives right now. They are a wonderful couple doing a brilliant job and I couldn’t be happier or prouder they will be our next king and queen.

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    1. Work load I don't think so. Both are very hard working for the Crown regardless of the Children and family duties. Can you imagine being told that your Mother / Grandmother has died and you are now King and Prince of Wales. Nice to hear that Prince William spent weekend in Balmoral. If he stayed in the craigowan Lodge I wonder is it his now. He has his own house on the estate. I really hope they keep the Balmoral family time going. S. ☺

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  4. It seems that in the stripped down monarchy Kate has to wear as boring and functional outfits as possible. Takes away the whole point of royalty altogether to make them look as normal as possible. It’s awful.

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    1. This is a pretty harsh assessment considering that in the "stripped down monarchy" following the death of QEII, the Princess of Wales has made a small handful of appearances, probably half of which occurred during the royal mourning period. I still think she and the other members of the royal family have experienced a huge shift and change in their roles and I'm sure it must be difficult to strike the right balance between dressing for her newly elevated role and not trying to many new things/spending too much at the start to invite criticism. No matter what she does, she can't please everyone.

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    2. I agree, Jennifer! And yes, very harsh words indeed.

      What in the world is wrong with having a functional wardrobe focused on a lot of classics? People complain in the comments when she does wear something trendy because whatever it is is not to their taste, and then they complain when she doesn't. Same with her hair, it's too long, too red, too dark, wearing it up makes her look old, you name it. I like that she is using classic separates as business wear, it is much more versatile for future wear.

      Border Terrier lover

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    3. I also think that comment was unnecessarily harsh. Do you like in the UK? If you do, then you know things are very hard there indeed and if you don't, well things there are quite difficult. I personally think that Kate is finding a middle road of putting the focus on the people she meets, being interested in them and not being an unapproachable fashion plate. Her colors, except for today which I agree was quite bland, have been completely appropriate to where she was and who she was meeting. And today the emphasis was on her guests, not her. But each to their own opinion, I just hope you will rethink you're saying their appearance is "awful." Valerie in Arizona

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  5. Kate is generally “slow” to adopt more current styles even though I prefer more classic looks myself. The twirly hairstyle is long overdue for a makeover in particular. But I’m always glad to see a blazer anyday over a mumsy dress.
    -celticgirl

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  6. I may be crazy but I think she looks great! I love that necklace and partly because it feels like she liked it and is enjoying wearing it. I also have no hair complaints. She should be tired but I think it's a great look -- wish she would wear the matching pants and belt, but the chunky necklace is cool. :)

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  7. Love the blazer, the fit is perfect. I like this necklace, its nice to see the Princess try something different.

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  8. Are you updating this post with the conversation?

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  9. Hello, I'm working on a new post :)

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  10. Think both she and William look great. lovely blazer for the event. Necklace not my favorite, I like the chunkiness just not the heart, but it is fun and a relatable piece for many women on real life jewelry budgets:) Ali

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  11. I think W&K are dressing for the occasion and to make the participants comfortable. These are clothes Kate has favored before and the big heart makes a lovely addition. Don't know what there is to criticize.

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    1. Strongly agree with you Allison, very appropriate dressing and the heart is a nice touch. It's actually the lighting that is unfortunate, but Kate looks lovely and very relatable.

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  12. I imagine no matter what she wears, how does she find time to shop for it? I have far less going on and only a few occasions a year where I might be noticed as “repeating” something, and I sort of mostly frantically shop online knowing I’ll have to return most of it because it won’t work out. If I dropped into her life I would need a personal shopper to do anything!

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    1. I have wondered the same thing about how Kate puts together such a large and varied wardrobe.

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  13. She has an assistant that helps with the clothing.Ali

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  14. no matter what they will wear the discussion was i was feel sincerity and lightness mood

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  15. It is interesting that the senior team is being trimmed to seven persons. I should think that probably covers, Charles, Camilla, William and Catherine, Edward and Sophie plus Princess Anne. If that number is correct the Gloucesters and the Kents must be retiring from public duties which is not really surprising. I did think maybe the King might tap Beatrice and Eugenie for occasional duties as the new team will be very stretched if they are to keep up with all the existing charitable organisations and also maintain overseas visits as well as the constitutional responsibilities the king has in the UK. Perhaps he is going to refocus the royal programme to lesson the load. .

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