Prince William posts personal message to student after declining his invitation
Prince William at a recent outing in London
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Prince William personally responded to a student on social media today, after the boy invited the royal to his school to mark World Mental Health Day.
The student, named Freddie Hadley, wrote to the Prince of Wales as a representative of the Matrix Project, which is running a campaign called #AmIManlyEnough for boys between the age of 11 and 14.
This campaign aims to "tackle the stigma that 'girls cry and boys get mad'", according to the young boy.
Hadley wrote to Prince William: "On Tuesday the 10th October 2023, as a part of World Mental Health Day, we are hosting a soft launch of our campaign and would love you to join us as a VIP.
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"The event, which runs from 9.30-10.30am, will include a short presentation, a preview of our campaign video and more information about how you can get involved."
Hadley's school, St Michael's Church of England High School tweeted a picture of the letter on Sunday with the caption: "When your students create a guest list and include his Royal Highness Prince William.
"Some might think this is wildly ambitious but as Walt Disney once said 'all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.'"
Within the tweet, the school tagged Prince William and Princess Kate's X profile, @KensingtonRoyal.
Prince William and Princess Kate in Birmingham today
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Today, William posted a response: "Good afternoon Freddie, I’m so sorry Catherine and I can’t be with you and the rest of the students at St Michael’s today.
"Tackling mental health challenges and stigmas head on is so important, please keep up this important work. W."
William and Kate could not visit the school today as they travelled to Birmingham for pre-planned events to mark World Mental Health Day.
Royal fans were overjoyed that the Prince of Wales responded to the young student on social media.
William and Kate could not visit the school due to pre-planned events
PA
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One royal watcher said: "A great response to a wonderful invitation! I’m sure it means the most to them."
Another added: "A lovely reply from Prince William.
"Maybe an invite to Freddie’s school and some others in the future."
Similarly, a fan commented: "Thanks for taking time to reply to Freddie. Your words of encouragement mean a lot to him."