Duchess Kate and Prince William paired up for a second day of royal engagements this week by visiting health care workers in the northwest of England.
The couple arranged to carry out two appointments in Lancashire on January 20 to speak with frontline staffers who have experienced unique challenges faced by rural health providers during the coronavirus pandemic.
At the Clitheroe Community Hospital, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge—who re-wore a camel wool coat by Massimo Dutti, a roll-neck jumper from Reiss, and a pair of $100 earrings from Missoma—spoke with doctors, nurses, and hospital workers who have received mental health support from Britain’s National Health Service’s Charities Together initiative.
William and Kate also experienced a form of therapy that has proved popular with staff and patients: cockapoo puppy Alfie. The therapy dog, who will soon be trained to support patients and workers at the hospital, took an immediate liking to the royal pair, cuddling up to them as they took turns holding him. He will join six-year-old Jasper, an award-winning therapy dog already working across the Trust.
As she stroked Alfie one last time before William handed him back, Kate joked, “Our dog is going to be very upset, she’s going to be like, ‘Where have you been?!’”
William and Kate also experienced a form of therapy that has proved popular with staff and patients: cockapoo puppy Alfie. The therapy dog, who will soon be trained to support patients and workers at the hospital, took an immediate liking to the royal pair, cuddling up to them as they took turns holding him. He will join six-year-old Jasper, an award-winning therapy dog already working across the Trust.
As she stroked Alfie one last time before William handed him back, Kate joked, “Our dog is going to be very upset, she’s going to be like, ‘Where have you been?!’” This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Later in the day, the duke and duchess visited Church on the Street, a two-year-old charity started by a former drug dealer to help the homeless and people living in poverty in and around the town of Burnley.
Its founder, Pastor Mick Fleming, took the couple on a tour of the former gym, which has been built into an open-door space offering refuge and safety for anyone in the community who may be struggling, including those having difficulty with their mental health.
William and Kate spent time chatting with Pastor Mick, volunteers, and staff to hear about their motivations for working with the nonprofit. They also chatted with 11-year-old Deacon Glover, who was supported by Church on the Street after the death of his mother.
Though the day covered serious topics, the couple still found time for jokes. When Kate cradled receptionist Trudie Barrie’s baby, Anastasia, William pleaded with onlookers who were oohing and aahing, “Don’t give my wife any more ideas! No more!”
