The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at a summit in London aimed at helping to improve mental health around the world.
William and Kate were greeted by Health Secretary Matt Hancock as they arrived at the first Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit at County Hall.
Political figures, experts from around the world and policy makers are due at the two-day event to discuss issues such as how to deal with the stigma attached to mental health.
The royal couple, who were cheered by crowds gathered in the street outside County Hall, have long been involved in mental health initiatives through their Heads Together campaign.
Ahead of tomorrow’s #WorldMentalHealthDay2018 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the first Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, which aims to promote better mental health for all. pic.twitter.com/G4HqxuseuU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 9, 2018
They are due to meet young people from the UK on Tuesday who have either had or are dealing with mental health issues and will hear about case studies of mental health projects in the US and India.
A poll published this week showed that almost a quarter of patients with a mental health problem are waiting more than three months to see an NHS specialist.
The college has launched a new campaign urging medical students to become doctors who specialise in mental health.
Ahead of the summit, the Department of Health and Social Care began a social media campaign using the hash tag #TheWorldNeeds to ask people what needs to change in the way mental health is treated and perceived.
