A YOUNG boy who invited Prince William to his school has spoken of his "shock" after he paid a surprise visit.
William walked up to Freddie Hadley at St Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis and shook hands when he arrived unannounced this morning (Thursday, April 25).
The pupil requested he come and learn about their mental health campaign last year.
The prince had replied to the schoolboy’s letter on social media in October last year apologising for not attending, but telling the Year 8 pupil to “please keep up this important work” helping to combat the stigma around mental health.
Freddie said after the royal visit: “I really wanted to write the letter because I know Prince William is a massive advocate for male mental health. I thought if I wrote the letter to him he might recognise us, which he did on Twitter.”
“I completely thought it was the Lord Lieutenant who was coming today. Obviously, it was a great surprise so I understand why they didn’t tell me, but honestly it’s just been wonderful.
“I couldn’t get my head around it, I’m meeting Prince William the future king – it’s insane really. I’m just standing there and I see Prince William walking down the drive and I’m like, wow, all this work’s finally paid off.”
"When he started walking down I was like 'that's Prince William,' I was so shocked. It's really crazy.
"I thought he would come and visit someday".
He added that Prince William made the "perfect impression" during his visit.
He also said he feels a strong connection with Prince William through their love of Premier League football club Aston Villa.
"As he's a Villa supporter, like myself, I feel like we've got a lot in common".
The school runs a number of wellbeing initiatives and William joined a group of pupils, including Freddie, who were from the all-male Matrix Project which runs the Am I Manly Enough? campaign, tackling the stigma around male mental health.
St Michael's headteacher Christina Handy-Rivett has described the visit as "absolutely jaw-dropping" and said it was a "monumental experience."
She said: “What has happened here today has been very unique for our youngsters and this is something they will remember for their lifetime.
"And, hopefully, we will now continue the work that he has shone a spotlight on.”
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