Prince William has tried hot local cider during his trip to a family farm in Hertfordshire, which the future king described as “delicious”.
The Prince of Wales, 43, spoke with farmers in his role as Patron of We Are Farming Minds, with the visit aimed at raising awareness of the mental health support available to those working in agriculture.
Local farmer John Bowler was at the centre of the royal visit and greeted William when he arrived with a little humour, saying: “You’re here about the pruning job, I think… that’s great, I’m planning on going on holiday soon.”
Farming often presents unique psychological challenges, as workers frequently face isolation, alongside external pressures and uncertainties that can affect their wellbeing.
He spoke with farmers in his role as Patron of We Are Farming Minds
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PAThe Herefordshire-based organisation offers free counselling services, round-the-clock telephone support and training programmes intended to tackle stigma around mental health within the agricultural sector.
Mr Bowler described the royal visit as “a massive honour”.
He said: “I was trying not to tell [my wife] who was coming to begin with, and she said ‘I can’t take that day off work’, and I was like ‘I think you need to’.
“It is amazing he has taken an interest and is coming and promoting Farming Minds and seeing why it is so important. It’s an honour, and we’re really grateful.”
William described the cider as ‘delicious’
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Laura Bowler, John’s wife, said: “It really gave us a boost at the time of year where really we are at our lowest.
“Everything is broken, and you spend the winter fixing everything and making plans for the year, but this is carrying us through; it is something exciting.
“Even if it makes another small farm think ‘oh we’re actually seen and actually worthwhile’, it is great. It gives you a boost.”
In 2012, at just 19 years old, Mr Bowler unexpectedly assumed responsibility for the operation following the death of his father.
The Prince of Wales got involved with some farming tasks
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The transition brought considerable difficulties, prompting the young farmer to reach out to We Are Farming Minds for assistance.
He now runs the farm alongside his wife, Mrs Bowler.
The couple sat down with the prince and charity founder Sam Stables to discuss why mental health support matters so much for those working the land.
Following the conversation, the prince rolled up his sleeves and joined the couple in their everyday work around the property.
William talked to farmers about the importance of looking after their mental health
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William joked that he was in the “lumberjack zone” when undertaking the activities, which included tending to the orchard by trimming apple trees, constructing new boundary fencing, and looking after the flock by providing feed to the sheep.
Mr Stables said calls had more than doubled in 12 months as farmers faced issues with inheritance tax and rising costs.
He noted that farmers were at “breaking point”, adding: “We are seeing unprecedented calls to our support line from farmers who are struggling.
“The farming industry is in crisis, and having the support of the prince is incredible.”