The Duchess of Cambridge hosts Gala Dinner for 25th anniversary of Place2Be

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Patron of Place2Be, hosted a Gala Dinner at Buckingham Palace in celebration of our 25th anniversary.

Since her patronage began in 2013, The Duchess has met pupils, families and staff at Place2Be partner schools to see the vital work being done by the charity, as well as supported our annual Children’s Mental Health Week campaigns.

Speaking at the Gala, The Duchess said:

"Place2Be was one of the first charities I became Patron of. I knew it was special then, but having spent many years since, learning about the importance of childhood development, I see even more the value in the work that you do and I am hugely grateful for all that you have taught me over the past seven years.

"You taught me the importance of creating safe and nurturing environments within schools, embracing a holistic view of emotional well-being which permeates through the whole school system.

"You also taught me that it's the simplest things that make a difference to children. It’s the quality time that is spent with them. It’s the time you take to listen to them. It is trusting relationships that have the most profound impact on the emotional and mental wellbeing of a child."

At the event, The Duchess met pupils from three Place2Be partner schools – The New North Academy in Islington, Salusbury Primary School in Queens Park and Cranbrook School in Kent.

Pupils from The New North Academy and Salusbury Primary School created and performed an original song for the occasion with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Community and Education department, Resound.

Dame Benny Refson DBE, Founder and President of Place2Be, said at the event:

"Today we need look no further than the dramatic and overwhelming events we are currently facing... the coronavirus, floods, fires and knife crime... bringing an immediate sense of fear, pending loss, grief, and physical and mental trauma. Why would we think a child can live with that fear, pain and anxiety alone?"

Read more about our 25 year history