Kate tells children kindness is key during school art class

The Princess of Wales visited Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon for a Children's Mental Health Week art session, where she joined pupils making 'belonging maps' and told a child 'kindness is key'.

The Princess of Wales visited Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon for an event marking Children's Mental Health Week. She joined a group of nine to 11-year-olds in the school's art studio and took part in making "belonging maps." The children used coloured pencils, glue and pipe cleaners during the activity and the princess told one pupil, "kindness is key." The school has a therapy room run by the children's mental health charity Place2Be, of which Kate is a patron. Key details: - The visit took place on Thursday and included time in the school's early years facilities and outdoor play areas. - Kate joined pupils aged nine to 11 in an art session creating "belonging maps" intended to prompt thoughts about people and places that help them feel connected. - The school hosts a Place2Be therapy room; Place2Be founded Children's Mental Health Week and lists this year's theme as "This is My Place." - During the visit Kate met the mother of a boy who received one-to-one counselling after his father died; the mother said her son was more withdrawn before the sessions and later performed in a school talent show. - Kate was greeted by children waving homemade flags, was presented with flowers, and later posted on Instagram about the importance of belonging and connection. - The visit occurred while reporting about other members of the royal family was prominent in the news; William and Kate issued a public statement about those developments, and Thames Valley Police said it had held discussions with specialist prosecutors about related allegations. Summary: The visit highlighted Place2Be's work and the focus on belonging during Children's Mental Health Week, and Kate praised pupils' work and the school's facilities. Undetermined at this time.