Prince William visits suicide help centre which was set up in memory of Princess Eugenie’s friend

The Duke of Cambridge was impassioned as he paid a visit to a suicide help centre today, which was set up in memory of a friend of Princess Eugenies who took his own life in 2006. 

Prince William, 39, paid a visit to the new London centre of James’ Place to learn more about the charity’s work to save the lives of men experiencing a suicidal crisis and to highlight the vital service they offer.

The organization was set up by Clare Milford Haven in memory of her son James Wentworth-Stanley, who was a friend of Eugenie’s and took his own life in 2006.

During the visit today, the father-of-three appeared animated as he spoke with staff and volunteers, as well as Clare.   

The Duke of Cambridge, 39, was impassioned as he paid a visit to a suicide help centre today, which was set up in memory of a friend of Princess Eugenies who took his own life in 2006. 

Prince William paid a visit to the new London centre of James’ Place to learn more about the charity’s work to save the lives of men experiencing a suicidal crisis and to highlight the vital service they offer

Prince William paid a visit to the new London centre of James’ Place to learn more about the charity’s work to save the lives of men experiencing a suicidal crisis and to highlight the vital service they offer

James Wentworth-Stanley, who was a friend of Princess Eugenie, took his own life in 2006 at the age of 21

James Wentworth-Stanley, who was a friend of Princess Eugenie, took his own life in 2006 at the age of 21 

The Duke offered Clare a warm embrace as he arrived at the centre in London today, with the two beaming at one another in friendly manner.

He later sat down with staff and volunteers, where he appeared animated as he spoke about the mental health crisis.  

The Marchioness of Milford Haven tragically lost her son James, then 21, after he took his own life in 2006. 

James was a friend of Eugenie’s, and struggled with low mental health. Princess Beatrice, Sarah Ferguson and Eugenie attended his funeral. 

The organization was set up by Clare Milford Haven in memory of her son James Wentworth-Stanley, with the father-of-three offering her a warm hug as he arrived today

The organization was set up by Clare Milford Haven in memory of her son James Wentworth-Stanley, with the father-of-three offering her a warm hug as he arrived today

Prince William beamed broadly at Clare, who placed her arms onto his chest as they greeted in a friendly manner

Prince William beamed broadly at Clare, who placed her arms onto his chest as they greeted in a friendly manner

The James’ Place website explained that he tried to find help to cope with his anxiety but did not find the resources he needed. 

After his passing, Clare devoted herself to raising awareness about suicide, working with mental health professionals and supporting families. 

James’ younger brother, Harry, who is now married to Prince Harry’s ex Cressida Bonas, went on to raise £600,000 in donations to help build the centre.

He and three friends rowed across the Atlantic in 2016 to fund the organisation. 

James’ Place was first opened in 2018 by Prince William under the initiative of Clare Mountbatten.  

The Duke went on to meet with Clare's husband Nick Wentworth Stanley, and their daughter Louisa Wentworth-Stanley (pictured)

The Duke went on to meet with Clare’s husband Nick Wentworth Stanley, and their daughter Louisa Wentworth-Stanley (pictured) 

Prince William was animated as he spoke with the group at the organisaton's new centre in London today

Prince William was animated as he spoke with the group at the organisaton’s new centre in London today 

The Duke, who previously opened the organisation's Liverpool centre, opted to wear a smart blue shirt for the outing today

The Duke, who previously opened the organisation’s Liverpool centre, opted to wear a smart blue shirt for the outing today 

The centres work to provide quick access to therapy and treatment to men over the age of 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis.

It also works hand in hand with the families and support system of the men to help them escape their suicidal thoughts.

James’ Place is part of the National Suicide Prevention Alliance and operates in Liverpool and London. 

In 2020, Eugenie praised four men who ran 240 miles between Liverpool and London in eight days to raise funds for James’ Place.

The Duke went on to sit down with staff at the centre to learn more about the charity's work to save the lives of men experiencing a suicidal crisis

The Duke went on to sit down with staff at the centre to learn more about the charity’s work to save the lives of men experiencing a suicidal crisis

The royal, who has been vocal about his own mental health in recent years, appeared in good spirits during the visit

The royal, who has been vocal about his own mental health in recent years, appeared in good spirits during the visit 

Sharing a picture of the four brave volunteers who made the impressive journey on Instagram, the princess also shared heartbreaking statistics on the suicidal rates among men below 50 years old. 

⁣’During these unprecedented times there have been so many incredible stories of people achieving amazing things in support of much needed charities,’ Eugenie wrote in her social media post.

‘Today I want to highlight four inspirational men who are in the midst of a 240 mile run from Liverpool to London,’ she went on.

‘They are looking to complete in 8 days. That’s over a marathon a day,’ she added. ⁣

The centres work to provide quick access to therapy and treatment to men over the age of 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis

The centres work to provide quick access to therapy and treatment to men over the age of 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis

‘They have taken on this mammoth challenge for a cause extremely close to my heart. James’ Place offers life-saving support for men in a suicidal crisis. Since their first centre opened in Liverpool in 2018, they have supported over 300 men in their darkest moments.’

Eugenie went on to explain the four runners hoped to help fund a second James’ Place centre in Hackley.

She also shared heartbreaking statistics on the suicide rates of men under 50.

‘Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under the age of 50, access to the right support can change this.,’ she wrote.

‘I just wanted to give a massive shout out and hats off to these amazing guys for taking on this challenge and raising vital funds for James’ Place,’ she concluded. 

The 21-year-old whose suicide inspired his mother to set up charity to help men struggling with mental health crises 

James Wentworth-Stanley took his own life in December 2006 after a minor surgical procedure

James Wentworth-Stanley took his own life in December 2006 after a minor surgical procedure

James Wentworth-Stanley was the son of the Marchioness of Milford Haven, Clare Mountbatten, nee Steel, and James Nicholas Wentworth-Stanley.

In December 2006, he took his own life after spiraling into depression following a minor operation on his testicle. 

Soon after the operation, James became paranoid the procedure had left him impotent. Only ten days later, he took his own life. 

James was a keen polo player and was due to graduate from Newcastle University in 2009.

He had shown no sign of mental health troubles before this episode. 

His mother Clare has devoted herself to raising funds in James’ memory and raising awareness about suicide. 

She set up James’ Place in 2018 to bring support to men over 18 struggling with suicidal thoughts. 

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