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Princess Kate reminisces about university days as Prince William meets emergency responders - best photos

The Prince and Princess of Wales carried out separate engagements in Milton Keynes and Nottingham


Kate Middleton meeting public outside Nottingham Trent University
Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
Updated: On 11 October 2023
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The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out for a second day of engagements on Wednesday in support of World Mental Health Day.

Kate said she would "love to be a student again" after learning how two universities in Nottingham are working to support mental health. 

The Princess chatted with students at Nottingham Trent University, while Prince William met emergency responders at the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub.

She reminisced about her time at St Andrews - where she met her future husband - saying university was "one of those great opportunities to try out new hobbies".

Take a look at all of the best photos from their royal outings...

While the trouser suit has become the royal's signature look of late, Kate looked elegant in a cream knitted jumper and midi skirt from Sezane for her visit to the university. 

Princess of Wales wearing knitted outfit for visit to Nottingham Trent University© Getty
Kate looked elegant in a knitted ensemble

The Princess dropped into a Freshers Fayre to learn how students are supporting each other through peer-to-peer monitoring.

Kate heard about the mental health support system at the university© Getty
Kate heard about the mental health support system at the university

Taking part in a Step In Circle session – part of NTU’s Welcome Workshop, which encourages students to share experiences to help them build confidence and support their wellbeing – Kate said it was important to try new things.

“I remember university for me was one of those great opportunities to try out new hobbies, and that has carried through now.

“I loved trying out new things, and challenging myself, whether (in) sports, music, or art.

“It’s one of the things with my kids too, just trying out new things, and university for me was when I learned to try out because there is so much on offer.

“I love being outside and being a part of all the different sports clubs, so doing things like hockey and tennis at university, but I also tried out the photography club at university, which was great and I met totally new friends, and that’s something I continue to love and enjoy now.

“It’s a good chance to try new things.”

Kate speaking with Anna O'Hara (2nd R), President of Nottingham Trent Students' Union and student mentors© Getty
Kate speaking with Anna O'Hara (2nd R), President of Nottingham Trent Students' Union and student mentors

The princess was presented with teddy bears, created by NTU students, and a bouquet of flowers, before greeting wellwishers prior to her departure.

Kate Middleton receives gifts for children at Nottingham Trent University© Getty
Kate left the university with gifts for her children

Anna O’Hara, president of Nottingham Trent Students' Union, said following the visit: “It was a really incredible experience and it’s really made me proud to be part of NTU, to be able to showcase all of the things we are doing for the students. It was amazing.

“(Kate’s visit) really opens up the opportunities to talk about mental health more freely.

“It allows students to feel that it is OK to talk about mental health and to get support if they need it.

“It was incredibly nerve-racking but an incredible opportunity. It was just amazing.”

Kate Middleton speaks to students at Nottingham Trent University© Getty
Kate heard how students are supporting each other

Ahead of her outing, Kensington Palace said: "The Princess is passionate about ensuring young people have the right tools in place to take care of their mental wellbeing, especially in relation to understanding and managing their own emotions.

"She is also focused on encouraging young people to build key protective factors such as healthy relationships and communities around them which will help them to lay stronger foundations as they move through life."

On Tuesday, William and Kate attended a youth forum in Birmingham, where the Princess delivered a passionate speech, setting out the royal couple's mission.

Kate Middleton meeting public outside Nottingham Trent University© Getty
Kate stopped to chat and take selfies with students after her visit

She said: “William and I believe we need to do all we can as a society to help young people develop the emotional and social life skills they need for good mental health, and to thrive in the world around them.

“Both learning about the world and learning about how to be happy and thrive within it, should go hand-in-hand.” 

Hear what else Kate had say in the clip below...

WATCH: Princess Kate makes moving speech to mark World Mental Health Day

Meanwhile, at the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub, William, 41, heard from a group of young people who have recently joined their service about the challenges they face in the early stages of their careers.

It's a cause close to William's heart, having seen what emergency responders face on a daily basis while previously serving as a pilot with RAF search and rescue and East Anglian Air Ambulance.

The Prince said he “misses” his time in the role between 2015 and 2017, but worries about people retiring from traumatic jobs.

William sits with emergency responders in Milton Keynes© Getty
William speaking with responders at the Milton Keynes Blue Light Hub

Speaking about his former role, he said: “I was holding everything and doing it all. There were a few times I had an armour up. I took it home with me and it went from there.”

He said he did not appreciate the “cliff fall” of stepping down until it actually happened.

William meets emergency responders in Milton Keynes© Getty
William was also joined by Dr Sian Williams

“Life catches up with you” after you have left, he said. “That can feel quite lonely and isolating.

“At the time I didn’t notice it happen. Afterwards, you realise it’s not normal.

“I do worry about people retiring. We have to be better at managing long-term health.”

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