Prince William showed his tactile side as he visited a mental health charity and volunteers who deliver vital medical supplies in Norfolk.
The Prince of Wales comforted a businessman who came close to tears when discussing the invaluable support he receives from a mental health charity supporting rural communities.
William touched Paul Gannon’s arm and told him “take your time” after he began to say Norfolk and Waveney Mind were “amazing” for their work in and around the royal Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
The 43-year-old was also pictured tightly embracing a female member of staff at the charity.
The future king visited Anmer Social Club, used by the charity and a stone’s throw from his Anmer Hall home, to learn about the progress of a two-year pilot started last year by Norfolk and Waveney Mind.
Co-funded by William and Kate, it aims to build on the work of Mind in the local area and further support the mental health of those working on the King’s Sandringham estate and the wider community.
Mr Gannon was given time to compose himself by the Prince, who spoke about the origins of his support for the project: “What I noticed was there was a lot of isolation going on, people were stopping me and talking to me about it, and I felt that was a bit of a nod to say ‘well, can you do something about it?’.
“And this is a bit of pilot project to understand what’s the need, what’s the challenges in the rural community and how do we replicate something like this across the whole of the UK, so we’re not leaving holes in how we look after people.”
Prince William then flew via helicopter to Norwich to visit the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and unveil a rapid response vehicle.
The car, named 'Prince William' is an addition to the Norfolk Blood Bikes fleet of 18 bikes and seven cars, which is used to deliver vital medical supplies to emergency responders.
The Ford Cougar was privately funded by the future King.
Sandy Gourlay, chairman of the charity, said: "Having cars like this in our fleet is incredibly important to allow our various volunteers to participate.
"Through the winter when our bikes are off the road because of the bad weather we have a safe and reliable fleet to use."
Norfolk Blood Bikes work overnight and on weekends to deliver blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines and other urgently required medical items.
The charity also serves the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The future King met with volunteers and supporters to learn more about their work before collecting a blood delivery to transport with members of the team in the new vehicle.
His Royal Highness travelled in the new car to the East Anglian Air Ambulance HQ to deliver the blood to a specialist fridge.
Here he met with Lennon Hayes, 22, who had a serious accident in December 2023 and received blood transfusions from the bikers.
Mr Hayes said: "If it was not for the bikes I would not be here. I could not be more grateful.
"The blood bikes through the blood from the hospital which gave them enough to help me and give a blood transfusion in the air ambulance."
