The Princess of Wales has been hailed for creating an "uplifting" atmosphere during a solo engagement at Castle Hill Academy in New Addington, Croydon.
As part of Children's Mental Health Week 2026 celebrations, Catherine spent time engaging with children as part of her role as patron of Place2Be.
The charity behind the annual awareness week, since 2015, has consistently advocated for nurturing children's emotional wellbeing from the earliest stages of life.
The Croydon school has maintained a partnership with Place2Be spanning many years, integrating mental health support into everyday school activities through its whole school approach.
The Princess of Wales has been hailed for creating an 'uplifting' atmosphere
|PA
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
CEO of Place2Be, Catherine Roche, shared how "genuine" the Princess of Wales is and how she creates an "uplifting" atmosphere.
She said one of the team members shared that it was a young girl's birthday, and the princess made sure to wish the little girl a "happy birthday".
"That was a special moment. She [the Princess of Wales] was so genuine with so many of the children as she walked along," Ms Roche told HELLO!.
"She spent time with the children, chatting with them. They were so natural and chatted so freely with her as well. So it was lovely."
Catherine has been praised for how 'genuine' she is
|PA
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
She continued: "It just shows how relaxed and informal they were. Really, beautifully brilliantly with the children in a really relaxed and natural environment."
The Princess of Wales visited the school's Early Years outdoor play area, a facility made possible through funding from Deloitte, which participates in The Royal Foundation Business Task Force for Early Childhood.
The outdoor space has been constructed according to Place2Be's therapeutic guidelines, creating an environment that fosters emotional self-regulation alongside sensory discovery and imaginative play.
During her time at the academy, the princess observed how the school community was participating in the awareness week and took time to speak to all those there.
Catherine engaged with students during the visit
|PA
Ms Roche said: "The Princess is always so genuine with whomever she is speaking.
"So I think it was really touching, moving, the conversation with the parents, and her sensitivity around the challenges that some families go through, whether that's bereavement or loss or change.
"I think her genuine warmth and empathy really came through and was really appreciated by the parents."
Pupils were engaged in producing "belonging maps," an activity designed to prompt reflection on the individuals, locations and moments in their lives that contribute to their sense of security and connection with others.
Ms Roche said: 'The Princess is always so genuine with whomever she is speaking'
|PA
The visit concluded with Catherine meeting senior figures from both Castle Hill Academy and Place2Be to examine the charity's comprehensive approach to pupil mental health, as well as the particular difficulties experienced by children and families living in New Addington.
The princess has long championed raising awareness about how formative the early years are for shaping future generations.
The Royal Foundation's Centre for Early Childhood released its Shaping Us Framework last year, outlining essential capabilities underpinning children's social and emotional growth, from managing feelings and thoughts to forming relationships and exploring their surroundings.
Place2Be's work within schools and nurseries plays a crucial role in helping families cultivate these foundational skills during childhood.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter