Prince William Gives Royal Endorsement

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has given a ringing endorsement to The Baton of Hope UK, and has invited us to take part as a partner in a new mental health initiative.

The royal “seal of approval” comes as The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales launches the National Suicide Prevention Network today – a new initiative designed to break the taboo around the subject of suicide.

Prince William has been involved in planning for the project called the National Suicide Prevention Network for some time and has underlined his support for the cause in a letter to The Baton of Hope UK.

Our tour of the UK with the Baton of Hope – the world’s first physical symbol of mental wellbeing – concludes with a finalé in London today (Friday 10th October). The Baton, made by goldsmiths and silversmiths to King Charles III, will be carried around the capital by people who have lost loved ones to suicide. It will be the 20th and final leg of a journey across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland lasting 40 days.

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35 in the UK.

In his letter, Prince William writes: “You have united people and communities across the UK to open up a national conversation on suicide.”

To our baton bearers and volunteers he writes: “I want to extend a personal thank you. Your courage and strength is remarkable. You are not only honouring those you have lost but you are making a profound and lasting impact on countless lives.”

Our chair Mike McCarthy, who lost his son Ross to suicide, said: “To end our 2025 tour in London with a ringing endorsement from Prince William is true recognition of the dedication and passion of our many supporters and volunteers around the UK.”