Prince William travels to Wales as Prince Harry due to appear in the capital

This has come just hours before the Duke of Sussex, 40, will visit the Royal British Legion Centre for Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London.

William, 43, has partnered with the Jac Lewis Foundation and the Welsh Rugby Union, of which he is Patron, to create the initiative. It will provide professional well-being and mental health services to hundreds of people who may be at risk of suicide.

The Jac Lewis Foundation was created in memory of 27-year-old Jac Lewis from Ammanford, who took his own life in 2019. His family, friends and teammates at Ammanford AFC established the charity to ensure mental health support was readily available to those in crisis.

Its first hub was based at Ammanford Football Club’s ground. The model has since expanded to Swansea and now includes a national bereavement support service for families affected by suicide. The charity also trains local people as well-being mentors, equipping them to provide support in their own communities.

Prince William travelled to Cardiff today to meet Jac’s father, Jesse, who helped set up the Foundation, along with Jac’s former teammates and close friends Rhys Fisher and Shaun Williams.

He heard about their decision to open a second hub at Swansea City Football Club and how they have built on the community-led project born out of tragedy.

The father-of-three also met with members of Swansea City FC and the Welsh Rugby Union, including Wales captain Jac Morgan and head coach Steve Tandy.

They discussed the role sport can play in supporting mental health, both among players and within wider communities.

A Royal Foundation grant will enable the Cardiff hub to operate one day each week over the next three years. Funding will cover staff, counselling and transport costs, ensuring that there are no barriers to people accessing support. The hub officially opens on September 17.

Elizabeth Thomas-Evans, Chief Executive of the Jac Lewis Foundation, said: “We have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that community-based mental health hubs can have on people’s lives.

“Finding the right support during a crisis, especially when someone is feeling suicidal, can be incredibly challenging.

“We are committed to delivering innovative services at the heart of local communities, ensuring that people can access the right support for them, when, where, and how they need it, while making positive connections with other people where they live along the way.

“With support from The Royal Foundation, we are able to reach more people than ever before.”

Melanie Waters OBE, Executive Director, Programmes at The Royal Foundation, said: “Social connection is at the heart of strong communities.

“Having spaces where people can come together creates opportunities to support one another. It is truly inspiring that Jac’s family and friends are leading such innovative work in his honour, creating spaces for people to connect, leaving a lasting legacy to ensure that others have somewhere to turn in times of crisis.”

She added: “When communities come together, they create more than just a support network; they build hope, connection, and belonging. Strong community ties play a vital role in protecting mental health, reminding people that they are not alone and that compassion, help and understanding are always within reach.”

According to official figures, more than 7,000 people take their own lives each year in the UK, with 19 occurring each day. Men account for 75 per cent of cases, with rates highest in Wales, the North of England and in deprived areas.

The Royal Foundation said the new Cardiff hub reflects its commitment to supporting community spaces that strengthen social connection and resilience.

Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.