Prince William and Kate Middleton take over huge radio show for vital reason

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s radio takeover came on World Mental Health Day as they spoke about how ‘different things will work for different people’...

Prince William and Kate Middleton's radio takeover revealed, seen here seen at Daystar Evangelical Church
(Image credit: Photo by Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage via Getty)

Prince William and Kate Middleton took over a huge radio show for a vital reason as they shared their intention to have a “meaningful conversation”.  


On Monday October 10, the Prince and Princess of Wales put their presenting skills to the test as they took over a huge radio show to mark World Mental Health Day. Visiting BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, the future King and Queen Consort turned reporters for BBC Newsbeat’s mental health special and heard from four special guests about their experiences. Set to air on October 11 at 12:45 on Radio 1 as well as Radio 1Xtra and Asian Network, Prince William declared that he and Kate wanted to have a “meaningful conversation” about this vital subject. 

As reported by the BBC, he urged people everywhere to start to build themselves a “toolbox” of coping strategies and techniques that work for them to help deal with unexpected, challenging situations.

The Prince of Wales, who is now first in the royal line of succession, remarked upon how things can change “massively” unexpectedly in life and often, we aren’t able to “tackle” this.  

"A lot of people don't realize what they need until it actually comes along," he shared. “You can be living one life one minute and something massively changes and you realise you don't necessarily have the tools or experience to be able to tackle that. If we can't look after ourselves we're not going to be able to tackle the issues we feel we have to on a day-to-day basis.”

Elsewhere during Prince William and Kate Middleton’s radio takeover, the Princess reflected that what might best support one person might not work as well for another - and that it’s critical to “nurture our minds” as well as our bodies. 

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales meet members of the public during their visit to Carrick Connect

(Image credit: Photo by Tim Rook - Pool/Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales explained, "There's no right or wrong. Different things will work for different people and it's just sometimes trying different methods, different opportunities that arise to help best support you.”

"Everyone has mental health, in the same way as their physical health we have to look after it, in the same way we go to the gym, we need to look after and nurture our minds as well,” she added.

The royals also discussed the importance of opening up, the pressures of social media and stigmas surrounding mental health with their guests - mental health advocate António Ferreria, music therapist Ben Cowley, Emma Hardwell from charity The Mix which offers vital support for those under 25, and Dr Abigail Miranda from the Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s radio takeover followed on from the couple’s message in May to mark Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. Apologizing for interrupting UK’s radio stations, they spoke about the importance of helping to combat loneliness. 

“[T]hese small acts of kindness can make a big difference and help us all feel less lonely. So, apologies for interrupting every radio station in the country," they declared. “But, if we interrupt the lives of those who are feeling alone - we can help lift them out of loneliness."

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!