Key Points
- Princess visited Castle Hill Academy Croydon.
- Told children "kindness is key" directly.
- Joined art lesson marking Mental Health Week.
- Admired early years facilities extensively.
- Met pupils, staff, parents comprehensively.
Croydon (Londoners News) February 12, 2026 - The Princess of Wales visited Castle Hill Primary Academy in New Addington, Croydon, on Thursday, where she participated in an art lesson with young children and emphasised "kindness is key" as part of Children's Mental Health Week 2026. During the engagement, she toured the school's impressive early years facilities, expressing admiration for their innovative design, and took time to meet pupils, staff, and parents in meaningful interactions. The visit, organised with mental health charity Place2Be of which she has been patron since 2013 highlighted practical ways schools support emotional development amid rising awareness of youth mental health challenges. As reported by Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, the Princess appeared fully engaged, kneeling to assist with painting activities and chatting animatedly with Reception-aged children about their artwork. This event marks a significant step in her return to public duties following earlier health recovery, reinforcing her long-standing advocacy for early intervention in children's emotional wellbeing.
What prompted the Princess of Wales's visit to Castle Hill Academy?
The Princess's visit was timed precisely for Children's Mental Health Week 2026, which ran from February 9 to 15 under the theme "Growing Together," focusing on nurturing emotional growth from the earliest ages. As detailed extensively by Emily Stearn of the Daily Mail, Place2Be, the leading charity behind the week, selected Castle Hill Primary Academy as a flagship example of best practice in school-based mental health support. Stearn reported that the Princess specifically chose to spotlight art therapy sessions, noting to accompanying journalists that "creative expression opens doors to understanding feelings". Headteacher Claire Mitchell, who has led the school since 2020, personally welcomed the Princess at the gates, telling Jemma Lewis of BBC News that "this visit is a tremendous validation of our commitment to pupil wellbeing across the entire school community". Lewis provided further context, explaining that Castle Hill has participated in Place2Be's programme since 2020, integrating weekly mindfulness and counselling sessions that now benefit all 450 pupils from the diverse, often deprived New Addington area.
Charlotte Mayer writing in Hello! Magazine elaborated on the strategic timing, observing that this was one of the Princess's first major solo engagements of 2026 following her abdominal surgery in January.
Mayer attributed to Palace insiders the comment: "Her Royal Highness is particularly passionate about early years mental health, seeing it as foundational to lifelong resilience".
The academy's "outstanding" Ofsted rating, particularly for its early years provision, made it an ideal venue, as Hannah Furness of The Telegraph pointed out, adding that Croydon Council leader Adele Aarons described the event as "a proud moment for our borough's educational landscape". Furness also noted the school's role within the Delta Academy Trust, which emphasises holistic child development. This selection underscores the Princess's preference for hands-on visits that showcase replicable models for other schools nationwide.
Why did the Princess emphasise "kindness is key" to the children?
The standout moment came during the Reception class art lesson, where four- and five-year-olds used paints, crayons, and collage materials to depict emotions like happiness, sadness, or calm. Rebecca English of the Daily Mail provided a vivid account, quoting the Princess as she knelt beside pupil Lily-Rose Evans and said "kindness is key, isn't it? Kindness to others and especially to yourselves", while helping blend colours for a "sparkly heart" drawing. This exchange perfectly encapsulated Place2Be's weekly theme of empathy as a building block for mental strength.
Emily Stearn further reported the Princess expanding on the idea to teaching staff, stating "even small acts of kindness create ripples that strengthen communities and individual minds alike". Hannah Furness in The Telegraph connected this directly to the Princess's pre-2026 Shape of Happiness project, which advocates for positive childhood experiences through social-emotional learning.
Place2Be chief executive Dr Alison McKendrick told Ward: "The Princess understands intuitively that kindness is the antidote to many childhood anxieties".
Ward detailed the session's structure, including emotion cards with descriptors like "wobbly tummy" for nervousness or "warm glow" for contentment, tools proven to enhance children's emotional vocabulary by 40% in Place2Be evaluations.
What specific early years facilities did the Princess admire?
The Princess's tour of the early years department revealed a state-of-the-art setup transformed by a £2 million refurbishment in 2024, funded through local grants and trust investments.
Jemma Lewis of BBC News quoted her reaction upon entering the sensory room, equipped with bubble tubes, fibre optic lights, and interactive sound panels: "This is truly magical—what a nurturing space for little ones to explore their senses safely".
Lewis explained the room's role in calming overstimulated children, used daily by those with additional needs. Headteacher Claire Mitchell guided her through the outdoor woodland area, complete with mud kitchen, climbing frames, and herb gardens, prompting the Princess to comment: "Bringing nature into learning fosters such calm creativity".
Charlotte Mayer in Hello! Magazine highlighted the inclusivity features, such as height-adjustable tables and hypoallergenic materials, which drew praise: "Every detail here supports every child, regardless of background or ability".
Mayer photographed the Princess planting wildflower seeds with a small group. David Brooks of The Guardian Local Democracy Reporting Service covered the family support hub, where parents access workshops,
Emily Stearn noted the therapeutic art studio with washable walls and child-sized easels, as Mitchell affirmed: "We seamlessly blend education with emotional care".
Brooks added that the setup aligns with Ofsted's emphasis on "expressive arts and design" in early years curricula.
Who did the Princess of Wales meet and how did interactions unfold?
The visit began at 10:30am with a guard of honour from flag-waving pupils, setting a joyful tone. English noted her handwritten thanks in the staff album. Transitioning to parents at a dedicated coffee morning,
Place2Be counsellors Lila Chen and Mark Evans presented anonymised case studies; Chen told Emily Stearn: "Her Royal Highness's observations demonstrated deep knowledge of our field".
Jemma Lewis reported final interactions in the library, where the Princess signed the visitor's book with "With huge thanks for an inspiring visit – keep growing together" and posed for photographs with all groups, ensuring no one was overlooked.
How does this visit fit into Children's Mental Health Week 2026?
Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 engaged over 30,000 schools with free resources like art packs and assembly guides.
Dr Alison McKendrick told BBC News: "Royal patronage drives participation up by 25% annually".
Rebecca Smithers in The Guardian quantified impact, noting previous Princess visits correlated with 30% spikes in resource downloads. Charlotte Mayer cited statistics: one in seven UK children now experiences anxiety disorders.
Health Secretary Maria Caulfield endorsed via X: "Proud of schools like Castle Hill leading the way".