Prince William and Kate launch mental health scheme after being ‘moved to tears’ by frontline workers

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton launched their mental health support scheme after the Duchess of Cambridge was “moved to tears” by the plight of frontline workers battling coronavirus.

Kate, 38, - who this week launched ‘Our Frontline’ alongside William – is said to have been played a “pivotal”.

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The Duchess was so deeply affected by stories of NHS staff and emergency workers fighting Covid-19 that she wept after hearing their stories while setting up the support network.

The royal couple made the announcement this week, months after the Sun on Sunday revealed they were planning to launch a mental health organisation.

And our source said: “They have both been incredibly affected by stories they have heard and Kate, in particular, has been moved to tears by some of the stories she has heard about the sacrifices frontline workers are making.”

At least 119 NHS staff have died after contracting Coronavirus and others have to cope with fears over the disease and a lack of PPE while treating patients.

William and Kate held talks with a raft of organisations before making the announcement this week.

The Cambridge’s Royal Foundation has teamed up with charities Mind, Samaritans, Shout and Hospice UK to create the ‘Our Frontline’ scheme.

The network aims to give round the clock mental health support to key workers struggling to cope with the Coronavirus crisis.

As it was announced Prince William said: “Millions of frontline workers across the UK have put their physical and mental health on the line to protect us.

“Catherine and I will do all we can to support Our Frontline.”

Yesterday sources said that former air ambulance pilot William, 37, led the talks – but Mum of three Kate was a driving force.

In the past few weeks William and Kate have been speaking to frontline staff and organisations that represent them.

Our source added: “Kate has been involved in the planning and co-ordination of this response and will play a leading role in the work of Our Frontline.

“She is a pivotal part on all of this and is particularly keen to make sure the children and families of frontline staff are kept in mind when services are rolled out.

'DEEPLY COMMITTED'

“Kate and William are both deeply committed to ensure that the support is there now and in the future.

“William has seen first-hand the impact working on the frontline can have on your mental health and wellbeing.

“Ensuring support is in place for this will be at the heart of his work.”

Our Frontline will be a combination of one-to-one support and online resources for any NHS workers, carers, emergency services personnel and key workers whose psychological wellbeing comes under pressure.

Frontline staff and key workers can call or text a trained volunteer and access specially developed online resources to support their mental health.

William held his first talks with the charity’s new partners in a roundtable phone call last week.

We told last October how William and Kate planned to use their Royal Foundation to launch a mental health support campaign.