Princess Kate reveals injury on solo visit to HMP High Down as fingers strapped up

Kate Middleton Princess of Wales

Kate, Princess of Wales arrived at HMP High Down

PA
Cameron Walker

By Cameron Walker


Published: 12/09/2023

- 14:25

Updated: 12/09/2023

- 16:16

Princess of Wales arrived at the Surrey Prison in a purple suit and heels with two fingers in bandages

The Princess of Wales has injured her hand, using a trampoline.

During a visit to HMP High Down in Surrey to see how prisoners are supported to manage and recover from their addictions, The Princess was pictured with her right index and middle fingers bandaged together.


Kate Princess of Wales

Kate, Princess of Wales at HMP High Down

PA

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said it was "a small injury, nothing serious".

During today's visit, Princess Catherine revealed how she sustained the injury at home.

As Patron of The Forward Trust, which helps people break the cycle between crime and addiction and move on with their lives, The Princess of Wales heard about the work the charity does inside the Category C men's prison to help inmates.

Kate

Princess Kate wore a purple suit and heels

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Her Royal Highness went through an airport-style security check before entering the prison, just like families visiting inmates do regularly.

The Princess was shown how Penny, a black Labrador, reacted when she found a banned item.

Princess Catherine said: “Amazing. It’s incredible, it’s very calm and controlled. It’s not intimidating.”

Kate Princess of  Wales

Kate hurt her finger jumping on a trampoline

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Kate at prison

The Princess of Wales, Patron of The Forward Trust, arrives for a visit to HMP High Down in Surrey

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She heard how HMP High Down is trying to make the security checks a more positive experience, particularly for children.

The visit came ahead of Addiction Awareness Week in October, which aims to highlight the range of people in society affected by the issue.

This year's theme is 'Everybody Knows Somebody'.

Serving prisoners who had suffered from addiction sat down with the future Queen to talk about their experiences.

Kate Princess of Wales

Kate Princess of Wales met a black labrador on her visit

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The Princess heard how The Forward Trust is helping inmates recover from their addiction through a range of services.

They include The Bridge, an intensive abstinence-based programme, Stepping Stones, a low to medium intensity intervention for those whose alcohol or drug consumption is at harmful or dependent levels, and Family Ties, a course of workshops focused on restoring healthy communication and trust between loved ones.

Kate Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Forward Trust, during a visit to HMP High Down in Surrey

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Kate Princess of Wales

Kate, Princess of Wales looked elegant as she arrived at the prison

PA

On-site restaurant 'The Clink' trains prisoners in hospitality and members of the public can enjoy hot meals prepared by inmates.

Princess Catherine met former prisoners and Forward Trust alumni in the restaurant to celebrate the fact that recovery from addiction is possible.

Kate Princess of Wales

Kate on her visit to HMP High Down

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Her Royal Highness has been working with addiction charities for more than a decade, where she has learned about the complexities of mental health.

Much of this has informed her work on early years and inspired her to launch the project 'Shaping Us' - raising awareness that experiences of a child under five have proven effects on later adult life.

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