Prince William travelled to Bristol on Wednesday to join sixty of the Duchy of Cornwall’s next generation of farming tenants, aimed at inspiring them as they look ahead to future careers helping feed the nation.
The Prince of Wales, who is known as the Duke of Cornwall when he is in the region, also joined forces with well-known farmer and star of Clarkson’s Farm, Kaleb Cooper, as well as farming consultant, Charlie Ireland, as he met the youngsters who will keep the industry alive in the years to come.
As well as this, the event also saw the Prince be announced as the new Patron of We Are Farming Minds, a Duchy supported Herefordshire-based charity, which was established to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community.
After his arrival in Pensford, Bristol, William met the future faces of Duchy farming and had the opportunity to share information and inspiration while also giving them the opportunity to hear from other youngsters in the industry.
He then met some of the speakers participating in the event, before taking part in an informal chat with the founder of We Are Farming Minds, Sam Stables, and Sue Padfield, the Duchy’s Farming Family Ambassador.
The conversation focused on how vital it is to take care of one’s mental health, while providing a sharp focus on the unique context of mental wellbeing within the farming community.
The announcement of William’s new patronage was an added boost after the dedication he has already shown to the area since he took over the stewardship from King Charles in 2022.
We Are Farming Minds, a Duchy supported Herefordshire-based charity, established to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the farming community.
The charity provides counselling, 24/7 support line, training, events, information, advice and support designed to raise awareness of the importance of mental health. It was founded by Duchy tenants, Sam and Emily Stables, following struggles with their experience of mental health.
Having already launched the Duchy of Cornwall’s rural mental health strategy in 2023, the new patronage builds on the Prince’s dedication and will continue to make the Duchy the leading provider of mental health support to all its tenants.