Britain’s Catherine Visits Castle Hill Academy

In New Addington, Croydon on February 12 2026, Princess Kate visited Castle Hill Academy, as she supports young students mark Children’s Mental Health Week.

Her Royal Highness began the visit at the school’s Early Years outdoor play space, funded by Deloitte, a member of The Royal Foundation Business Task Force for Early Childhood. Designed with Place2Be’s therapeutic principles in mind, the space promotes emotional regulation, sensory exploration and creative play.

The Princess chatted to the children at Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, on Thursday about the importance of expressing their emotions, asking what made them feel good and safe.

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Kate then spent some of the morning meeting parents to hear how they have benefitted (some even used the Place2Be services as pupils). She also spoke with teachers and Place2Be practitioners to hear how trusted relationships, creativity and play help children express themselves and build confidence and see what the school community is doing to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week.

In the school’s Art Studio, The Princess joined children working on the official Children’s Mental Health Week art project, developed by The Art Room at Place2Be. The children shared their “belonging maps,” creative reflections on the people, places and experiences that help them feel secure.

Looking at one child’s map, she said: “Kindness is key. That’s a very important message, isn’t it? Gosh, you are talented.”

Kensington Palace posted a personal message after Britain’s catherine visit, “This year’s Place2Be Children’s Mental Health Week is about the importance of belonging.”

“It can be easy to overlook the importance of the things that matter most: love, care and time spent together. Belonging and connection is so important, and is a fundamental part of early childhood development.

“As Patron of Place2Be, I am incredibly proud of the work they do to support families and communities to nurture children and young people.”

To conclude the visit, The Princess met Castle Hill Academy and Place2Be leadership to discuss the organization’s whole-school approach to supporting children’s mental health, as well as the unique challenges facing children and families in New Addington.

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