Why Wasn't Prince William At The Royal Ascot?
Today marks another big public event for the British royal family: the Royal Ascot, an annual week of horse races that serves as one of the country's biggest society events. While this year's event was a big one for Meghan Markle, who attended the races for the first time, one member of the royal family was noticeably missing: Prince William.
So where was the Duke of Cambridge during one of Britain's biggest events of the year? It turns out he had a pretty good reason for skipping the Royal Ascot: he was busy serving as the official patron of the International Business Festival in Liverpool.
"Business can and must be an international force for good." - The Duke of Cambridge at @TheBusinessFest in Liverpool #BusinessFest pic.twitter.com/JPkIWkjjGS
- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 19, 2018
Giving the keynote address, William spoke about the importance of business, trade, and commerce on behalf of the royal family.
"Businesses-both large and small-are responsible for many things that are the bedrock of our society: quality of life, meaningful employment, prosperity and technological solutions. Many of the charities I work with cannot make progress unless they partner with business. That is why I'm particularly proud to be patron of a Festival that shares my belief that business can and must be an international force for good," the Duke of Cambridge said in his speech.
In addition to serving as the event's patron, the Prince also made another important stop in Liverpool today. Continuing in his mission to advocate for mental health, the Duke of Cambridge was on hand to open James' Place, a center supporting men at risk for suicide.
Kensington Palace shared photos of Prince William opening the center on Twitter.
Founded by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley after they tragically lost their 21 year old son, @JamesPlaceUK will provide a private, welcoming and normalised environment for men experiencing suicidal thoughts. pic.twitter.com/AWy8xvmqvS
- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 19, 2018
Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 - @JamesPlaceUK, opened today by The Duke of Cambridge, will be the first centre of its kind in the UK to provide face-to-face support for men in their time of need. pic.twitter.com/kleXyZ0HI8
- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 19, 2018
Both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, have been vocal about fighting the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Last year, the trio announced Head's Together, a health initiative seeking to change the conversation and stigma surrounding mental health.
Prince William's attendance at today's opening of the James' Place center is just another reminder that the royal is committed to his work surrounding mental health.
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