The Global Academy is a state school founded and operated by Global, The Media & Entertainment Group, designed to prepare students for careers in the broadcast and digital media industry, offering academic and vocational training. Ashley Tabor, Global’s Founder & Executive President, came up with the idea of the Global Academy to tackle the skills shortage and lack of diversity across the industry.
As well as giving young people a route into the media industry, the Global Academy gives students the practical and technical skills they need to succeed in the real world. This includes encouraging young people to talk about any mental wellbeing issues they may be facing, with an hour of mental wellbeing on the curriculum every week, recognising the issue and removing the stigma sometimes associated with it.
The royals met students training to be the next generation of production staff.
Kate discussed her shyness with a student. More from People:
'Speaking to a group of students, aged between 15 and 17, who have been working in the academy’s radio station on a series of packages focusing on mental wellbeing, Kate asked, “Is this an issue you knew about or had experienced before this? Have any of you spoken to your friends or family about issues that have been bothering you?”
Oliver Monger, 16, from Uxbridge, who hopes to go into the film industry, revealed he was shy to talk to “to someone so high.” Smiling Kate told him, “I’m shy as well, so don’t worry.’ Afterwards Monger told reporters, “That was just fantastic. It has really boosted my confidence. I had no idea what to say at first but she really put me at ease.”
When she caught sight of the young budding studio engineers working on some footage of William’s transatlantic chat with Lady Gaga she was seen smiling to herself.'
The Duchess was particularly interested to know from students how radio is incorporated into the mainstream curriculum. Below, a fantastic photo of Kate visiting the radio studio.
Kate was very impressed by the facilities on offer to students, saying: "It's just brilliant that they have the chance to put what they learn into practice. It's the best of both words".
Kensington Palace shared this video.
At @TheGAcademy The Duke and Duchess and Prince Harry find out how students are developing their skillset for careers in broadcasting pic.twitter.com/MC10WiFHv8— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 20, 2017
Global stations LBC, Heart and Capital broadcast shows from the new academy in Hayes, Middlesex. The shows each focused on the mental health of young people, helping to generate conversations with the Heads Together campaign in honour of the visit.
William, Kate and Harry visited the Heart Breakfast Show and LBC's Nick Ferrari Show – to see the programme in action and met students helping to produce the material.
Next, they enjoyed participating in a roundtable discussion.
They were joined by Global presenters, LBC’s Nick Ferrari, Heart’s Jamie Theakston and (former Spice Girl) Emma Bunton, as well as students and people who have taken part in the morning radio shows, talking about the importance of having a conversation about mental health.
Kate discussed how motherhood can be lonely and isolating at times. More from The Telegraph:
'After two mothers, supporters of the royal trio's Heads Together mental health campaign, discussed how they became friends after bonding through mutual loneliness, Kate replied: "Yes, it is lonely at times and you do feel quite isolated but actually so many other mothers are going through exactly what you are going through. "It is being brave enough, like you obviously were, to reach out to those around you."
Kate also suggested conversations about mental health should start much younger.
"Parents should be helped to start these conversations from a much earlier age but through play, even if their language hasn't yet developed".
William very much enjoyed listening to a short clip of a recording made by his great-grandfather, George VI - his message to the Empire on September 3 1939 after Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain had declared Britain was at war with Germany. More from The Telegraph "It was played to him by students who had made a documentary about vinyl recordings made by members of the Royal Family and held in the EMI archives. Actor Colin Firth featured in the audio programme, reciting part of the same speech in his role as George VI in the film The King's Speech. The Duke said: "It's fascinating, it really is. You can imagine Colin Firth sitting there trying to work out how on earth he's going to replicate it all."
The Duke listens as @TheGAcademy students explore past Royal broadcasts - including recordings of George V, George VI and Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/uJU4OwHeGk— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 20, 2017
A group of Science students were delighted when Prince Harry popped in.
William, Kate and Harry watched performances inspired by the theme of mental health.
Prince William unveiled an EMI microphone which was created for King George VI in 1936.
The newly-built school is on the site of the Old Vinyl Factory in Hayes in Middlesex which was once the EMI Music headquarters and now houses a rich archive of vinyl and broadcasting equipment. The new four-storey purpose built school building has state-of-the-art TV and radio studios, flexible teaching spaces, informal learning zones, a dining area, a sports hall and a theatre.
A tanned Rebecca Deacon Priestley has returned from her honeymoon and is back to work. She also joined Kate at Kensington Palace yesterday. Perths Fashion noted her Ikat printed skirt is from J Crew. It's actually reduced from $120 to $18 at The Outnet.
The Duchess wore a smart red skirt suit by Armani Collezioni
Made in Italy, the $848 single-breasted suit features a dart-seam front zip jacket, round collar and pencil skirt. It's a classic Armani suit which could take Kate to a number of engagements.
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| Yoox |
More on Armani Collezioni:
'Armani Collezioni provides made-to-measure tailored suits and workwear for both men and women. Armani is renowned for soft silhouettes and smart tailoring, and each and every detail in this collection is carefully chosen and constructed. Collezioni focuses on more wearable designs for the working man or woman, rather than the haute couture-inclined pieces of its parent brand Armani.'
I've received several messages enquiring about 'Repli-Kate's' or similar styles to this look. The talented Kate's Closet has already found a brilliant alternative for those wishing to emulate the style. The $130 Tahari ASL Stretch Crepe 2 Piece Skirt Suit incorporates many of the elements of Kate's Armani suit. It's available at Macys.
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| Macys |
Kate teamed the vibrant suit with neutral accessories and her Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps.
The Duchess carried her new textured woven clutch by Etui Bags.
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| Etui Bags |
For jewellery, Kate chose her Mappin & Webb Empress earrings and pendant.
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| Mappin & Webb |
And completed the look with her trusty Cartier Ballon Bleu watch.
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| Saks |
You can view a video on YouTube.
We'll see William, Kate and Harry on Sunday morning for the London Marathon. The royals will be cheering on Team Heads Together runners and officially starting the race by pressing the big red button at 10:00 a.m. It promises to be a fantastic day!
Don't forget, part one of 'Mind Over Marathon' airs on BBC One at 9 p.m. tonight. Part one includes an interview with Prince William at Kensington Palace (a clip can be viewed here). I believe the training day William, Kate and Harry filmed footage for runs in part two, which airs next Thursday. For our friends across the pond, I expect it will be uploaded to YouTube.
