The Princess of Wales, Kate, made a surprise appearance at Everton's stadium in Liverpool to support the launch of her husband Prince William's suicide prevention toolkit. The initiative, named 'On Your Side,' is a practical guide developed in collaboration with sports stars and organizations to help individuals identify warning signs and offer support.
Prince William has partnered with athletes such as England captain Harry Kane, Formula 1 driver George Russell, and footballer Alan Shearer, as well as cycling stars Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny, for the toolkit. The launch event at Hill Dickinson Stadium saw William joined by other sports figures and personalities, including Dame Kelly Holmes, Gabby Logan, Campbell Hatton, and Jill Scott.
Princess Catherine wore a light blue blazer and coordinating trousers, with a white blouse, to echo Everton's team colors. This public engagement marks the couple's first appearance after their summer break with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, at the King's Scottish estate, Balmoral.
The initiative's launch comes in the wake of news that King Charles has defined the roles of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stating they are not working royals. This decision was reportedly communicated in a letter to stakeholders, a move that a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess claimed surprised them as they had not been informed in advance. Palace sources, however, have disputed this, asserting the letter was received prior to its public release, though consultation on its content did not occur.
Suicide Prevention Through Sport
In a speech for World Suicide Prevention Day, Prince William emphasized the potential of sports organizations to make a significant impact. "My hope is that every sporting organisation in the country will look at what is being launched today and ask a question: 'What more can we do?'" he stated. He highlighted sport's ability to reach individuals who might not otherwise seek mental healthcare services.
The 'On Your Side' toolkit is a product of a collaboration between The Royal Foundation, the British Standards Institution, and the charity Chasing the Stigma. The program aims to address the fact that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, and it hopes to leverage the influence of sport to reach men who may find it difficult to discuss their emotions.
Major sports organizations, including the Football Association, the Premier League, British Cycling, and Team GB, have committed to integrating the toolkit into their operations. Over a dozen other sports organizations are also set to champion the initiative, embedding suicide prevention techniques within their structures.
Hazel Detsiny, Executive Director of The Royal Foundation, described the toolkit as a pioneering effort to unite the sports sector for meaningful change. She noted that while sport offers a powerful platform for connection, stigma and a lack of resources can hinder prevention efforts, particularly among men and elite athletes.
The toolkit provides guidance on creating supportive environments, using appropriate language, and offering conversation starters to help individuals in distress. It also aims to integrate suicide prevention into daily practices and policies within sports organizations.
Alan Shearer, who lost his former teammate Gary Speed to suicide in 2011, shared his personal connection to the cause. He emphasized the importance of asking, listening, and helping others find support, stating, "We can't all know when somebody is struggling but we can all be better at asking and listening and helping someone find the right support." He added that the toolkit provides practical advice for initiating these conversations.
Prince William has previously invested £1 million from his charity to establish a national suicide prevention network. For confidential support, individuals can contact Samaritans at 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.