The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, embarked on her first solo away day of 2026 with a series of visits across Northern England. Her engagements highlighted how creativity, community, and nature can support mental health, ease isolation, and help those recovering from trauma.
Visit to Bradford
Kate, 44, began her day in Bradford, West Yorkshire, where she visited Family Action, a charity she has long supported. The organization runs a Children’s Trauma Therapy service, helping young people aged 4 to 18 and their families cope with complex trauma. During her visit, Kate met therapists and joined a creative therapy session with children and families. She observed how play, imagination, and art can be powerful tools for healing. Family Action also provides practical support for adults who have faced adversity, abuse, or bereavement.
Rugby Engagement in Wakefield
Her second stop was at Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club, about 20 miles away. As patron of the Rugby Football League, Kate joined a skills session with local schoolgirls and met elderly residents participating in the In Touch program. The initiative combats social isolation by offering quizzes, workshops, and stadium tours. Kate also met young people from Wakefield’s Inspiring Futures program, which supports those at risk of anti-social behavior and youth crime. Later, she headed onto the rugby pitch to take part in training drills with girls competing in the Champion Schools competition, a nationwide high school knockout tournament.
Continuing a Busy Start to the Year
The outing followed joint engagements with Prince William earlier in January, including a visit to Scotland and a hospital appearance in London to support health workers during virus season. On January 15, Kate hosted England’s Women’s Rugby team at Windsor Castle to celebrate their World Cup victory. She also attended the Royal Ballet and Opera’s staging of Woolf Works, inspired by Virginia Woolf, calling it “an amazing evening of creative inspiration.”
A Royal Balancing Act
Kate’s solo engagements underscore her commitment to causes that blend creativity, sport, and community wellbeing. Her focus on trauma recovery, youth empowerment, and tackling isolation reflects her broader mission as Princess of Wales to champion mental health initiatives across the UK.
