Duke of Westminster makes substantial donation to cause close to Prince William's heart

The donation aims to help to enable all of Cheshire’s state schools to introduce lockable phone punches, making them the first county in the country to do so.

The duke said: “This is something I feel strongly about, both personally and because the evidence is now clear. When you speak to young people, parents and teachers and look at the data from schools using lockable phone pouches, the benefits are undeniable.

“We’re seeing real, measurable improvements in wellbeing, focus and crucially, safety.

“It isn’t just about avoiding harmful content, important though that is. It’s also about giving young people a break from constant notifications and the anxiety that comes with always being contactable during the school day.

“Through my work with the Westminster Foundation, I’ve seen how practical, evidence-based interventions can make a lasting difference to young people’s lives and this is one of them. I’m proud to support the Police and Crime Commissioner with this campaign in making Cheshire the first county to take this step.”

Dan Price, the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “The Duke’s generous personal donation means that more young people in Cheshire will grow up with less online bullying, less access to potentially harmful or violent content, less distractions and less exclusions.

“With the Duke’s help, Cheshire is leading the way on this campaign. I know other counties are watching and also putting plans in place to follow. Together we can transform young people’s lives to make their school days positive, productive and safe.”

In 2025, nine of Chester’s 71 mainstream schools had introduced lockable phone pouches.

The duke’s donation is intended to lower the funding requirements needed for the schools to adopt the system.

A phone-free environment is something that the Prince and Princess of Wales have adopted with their three children.

When filming an episode of Apple TV’s The Reluctant Traveler, Prince William revealed to Eugene Levy that none of his kids "have any phones," adding that he and Catherine are "very strict about" that.

The Princess of Wales also spoke on how devices can connect people, but they “frequently do the opposite,” in an essay titled The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World.

Writing the paper in collaboration with Professor Robert Waldinger, Catherine wrote about the “complex and often troubling” role technology plays in the “epidemic of disconnection.”

Earlier this week, the duke celebrated his 35th birthday, and his first since becoming a father.

Hugh, and his wife, Olivia Henson, welcomed their first child, Cosima Florence in July.

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