Efforts supporting William, Kate and Harry's Heads Together initiative have all been leading up to today. More than 700 Heads Together runners took part in this year's London Marathon, raising money and awareness to change the national conversation around mental health. All 39,000+ runners in the event were given a Heads Together blue headband to help make 2017 the 'mental health marathon'. It is believed the event will raise millions for mental health charities.
It was originally thought efforts would culminate with the marathon, however due to the fantastic response to the campaign the royals are eager to continue. Camilla Tominey reports "A Kensington Palace spokesman said: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have been absolutely blown away by the response this week. “Conversations have not only been started around the UK but around the world. They have made great strides in helping to end the stigma surrounding mental health but they have been so encouraged by the response that they now want to take it much further".
Her Majesty is said to be very proud of the campaign. A royal aide told The Sunday Times "The Queen has always gone out of her way to be even-handed and recognise the work of all members of the royal family. But even so, there is a quiet pride in what her grandsons and the Duchess have achieved. Everyone can see the campaign has struck a chord and that by speaking about their personal experiences they will hopefully encourage others to discuss their mental health".
Mental health charities have reported a surge in calls since the royals spoke out. More from Sky News:
'Figures seen by Sky News show that many of the eight charity partners for Heads Together, have already seen a huge increase in demand for their services.
Sarah Brennan, chief executive of Young Minds, said it has also boosted their lobbying power as charities push for more government funding. She said: "When there is public awareness and public demand for improving the services, that's when politicians stand up and listen and that's when funders stand up and listen and realise they're being closely watched and that's how we can make things continue to improve and funding to carry on being there because it's always under threat."
Kate shared a hug with a runner who is supporting Heads Together today and wishes her good luck.
A special hug from Prince Harry.
William wishing runners luck.
Kensington Palace posted this video from the beginning of the race.
AND THEY ARE OFF! 🏃— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2017
Their Royal Highnesses push the button for the start of the Men's Elite and the "Mass" Race #Teamheadstogether pic.twitter.com/JdDTdXokBv
The royals cheered on the runners at various points along the 26.2 mile route.
Applause for the runners.
The Palace said William, Kate and Harry were "thrilled" to see thousands wearing the headbands.
Support for the headbands was very much evident :)
Prince William teased Kate with his fog horn.
Inspired by William's antics, Kate followed suit and blew her horn at Harry :)
The Heads Together runners greeted the royals along the route.
High-five.
Kate gets her Heads Together glove on.
Kate cheering on runners nearing the finish line.
William, Kate and Harry handed out bottles of water.
The Mail Online's Rebecca English posted this video. The video captures part of a chat with Kate and Harry, it's always lovely to see them interacting.
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 23, 2017
This runner did a double take when he realised it was Kate.
Handing out medals at the finish line.
The Duke & Duchess and Prince Harry hand out medals at the finish line of the @LondonMarathon #TeamHeadsTogether #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/9dve5m7gTI— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2017
Prince William congratulates runners at the finish line.
Can you spot the royals?
Prince Harry put a smile on this supporters face as he posed for a selfie.
The Duchess congratulates the Heads Together team.
The Duchess sported a Heads together jacket, black jeans and her MIH nautical striped top for the day.
The distinctive Heads Together logo on the jacket.
The jacket is by British brand Regatta. The fabulous ladies at What Kate Wore received confirmation it is the Regatta Professional Perfect Softshell Jacket. It's described as wind resistant, polyester and quick drying. It's available at Amazon for $27.
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| Regatta |
Kate wore her Superga Cotu Trainers once again today. They remain available at Nordstrom and ShopBop for $65.
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| ShopBop |
For a portion of the race, Kate wore her Ray-Ban Wayfarers (with thanks to Middleton Maven).
And completed the look with her Kiki McDonough Lauren earrings.
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| Kiki McDonough |
It was a fantastic day and a fitting way to mark a year of Heads Together. I very much look forward to seeing what's next for the campaign and how the royals plan to continue to tackle the stigma as well as raising awareness and funds.
We leave you with two of my favourite photos from the day. Harry and Kate above, and this very sweet one of William and Kate :)
