The Princess of Wales brought warmth and encouragement to Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon, on February 12, 2026, as she marked the start of Children’s Mental Health Week with a hands-on visit focused on emotional wellbeing. As patron of Place2Be since 2013, the Princess has long championed early intervention in children’s mental health, and this engagement highlighted the charity’s annual awareness campaign, now in its 11th year. The week’s theme, “This is My Place,” centered on fostering a sense of belonging—helping young people identify the relationships, environments, and experiences that make them feel secure, valued, and connected.

Castle Hill Academy welcomed the Princess with enthusiastic flag-waving pupils lining the corridors. She met teachers, parents, Place2Be practitioners, and students across various year groups. The visit included a tour of the school’s Early Years outdoor play space, thoughtfully designed to support emotional development through nature-based activities. Children eagerly shared stories of how outdoor time helps them feel calm and grounded, aligning perfectly with the theme of finding personal “places” of safety.

The centerpiece of the day unfolded in the school’s art studio, where the Princess joined children aged nine to 11 participating in the official Children’s Mental Health Week art project. Developed by The Art Room at Place2Be, the activity guided pupils to create “belonging maps”—personal, creative visual representations of the elements in their lives that foster connection and security. Using colored pencils, glue, pipe cleaners, magazines for collage, and other craft supplies, the children mapped out family members, favorite parks, sports teams, pets, cultural traditions, or even abstract feelings like laughter with friends.

Sitting at the head of a table surrounded by focused young artists, the Princess admired their work and engaged in gentle conversations. She spoke openly about the challenges of expressing emotions, acknowledging that “sometimes it’s hard to talk about your thoughts and feelings.” She emphasized kindness as a foundational value, telling the group that “kindness is key” in building trust and support networks. One child shared how green reminded them of nature and being outside, prompting smiles and nods from the Princess, who connected it to the healing power of the natural world.

The “belonging maps” served as more than art pieces; they became tools for reflection. Place2Be explains that the exercise helps children recognize protective factors in their lives—trusted adults, safe spaces, joyful activities—that buffer against stress and build resilience. By externalizing these elements visually, young people gain clarity on what strengthens their emotional wellbeing and learn to value nurturing relationships. The Princess encouraged the children to share their maps, listening attentively as they pointed out grandparents, school friends, or beloved hobbies that make them feel “this is my place.”

In a personal message shared on Kensington Palace’s social media channels after the visit—signed with her initial “C” for Catherine—the Princess reflected on the day’s impact: “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.”

Place2Be launched Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to give voice to young people’s experiences and raise national awareness. The charity partners with schools nationwide, providing in-school counseling, family support, and resources like The Art Room’s creative activities to address emotional needs early. This year’s focus on belonging underscores how a sense of inclusion protects against isolation, anxiety, and other challenges, particularly in a post-pandemic world where many children grapple with disrupted routines and social connections.

The Princess’s visit extended beyond the art room. She met Place2Be practitioners embedded at the school, hearing firsthand accounts of how targeted support has transformed family dynamics. Parents shared stories of reduced anxiety in their children after accessing services, while teachers noted improved classroom atmospheres when emotional literacy is prioritized. The engagement reinforced the Princess’s longstanding advocacy for early childhood development as a cornerstone of lifelong mental health, a cause she has advanced through her work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

Castle Hill Academy, like many Place2Be partner schools, integrates wellbeing into daily life. The outdoor play space—complete with natural materials, sensory zones, and quiet reflection areas—exemplifies how environment shapes emotional security. The Princess praised these efforts, noting how such thoughtful design helps children regulate feelings and build confidence.

The visit drew widespread praise for its authenticity and warmth. Media coverage captured candid moments: the Princess laughing with pupils, gently encouraging shy voices, and genuinely engaging with each child’s creation. It served as a powerful reminder that mental health conversations need not be heavy; creativity, play, and simple acknowledgment can open doors to deeper understanding.

Children’s Mental Health Week runs from February 9-15, 2026, with free resources available on the official website, including assembly plans, fundraising ideas, and the full “This is My Place” art activity guide. Place2Be encourages families, schools, and communities to participate by creating their own belonging maps or discussing what makes them feel connected.

For the Princess of Wales, the day was both personal and purposeful. Her presence amplified a vital message: every child deserves to know where they belong, and nurturing those ties early builds stronger, kinder futures. As she departed amid cheers and waves, the impact lingered—in the colorful maps on tables, the smiles on young faces, and the quiet hope that more conversations about feelings will follow.