Kate Launches Major Mental Health Initiative Wearing Breton Stripes from J. Crew

Today we share news of a new initiative launched by Kate, William, and Harry.

The three young royals have kicked off Heads Together, a united effort with The Royal Foundation to continue efforts to end the stigma associated with mental illness. From the message signed by William, Kate, and Harry on the Heads Together site:

Through our work with young people, emergency response, homeless charities, and with veterans, we have seen time and time again that unresolved mental health problems lie at the heart of some of our greatest social challenges. 

Heads Together wants to help people feel much more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing and have the practical tools to support their friends and family. The Heads Together campaign will build on the great work being done by our partner charities so that prejudice and fear no longer stand in the way of people getting the help they need.

Heads Together

This is the biggest joint project yet undertaken by the trio. The charity partners that are “tackling stigma, raising awareness, and providing vital help for people with mental health challenges. Affiliated organizations” include:

• CONTACT – is a coalition of military mental health organizations and support mechanisms working toward “healthier military minds.”
• Place2Be focuses on in-school support for children encountering mental health issues; Kate has been involved with the organization since 2013. The Place2Be Facebook page is here and Twitter feed here.
• Mind – “The mental health charity.” The Mind Facebook page is here and Twitter feed here.
• Young Minds – “committed to improving the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people.” Visit the group’s Facebook page here and/or the Twitter feed here.
• Best Beginnings – “aims to reduce child health inequalities by creating and distributing innovative resources for families and professionals”. You’ll find the Best Beginnings Facebook page here and Twitter feed here. 
• The Mix – “the UK’s largest support service for those under 25”.  You’ll find the charity’s Facebook page here and Twitter feed here.
• C.A.L.M. – the Campaign Against Living Miserably focuses on male suicide prevention. The CALM Facebook page is here and Twitter feed here.
• Combat Stress – the leading mental health charity for British veterans. The group’s Facebook page is here and Twitter feed here.
• Help for Heroes –  provides “Practical, direct support for our wounded, injured & sick Service personnel, veterans, & their families.” The organization’s Facebook page is here and Twitter feed here.

From The Daily Mail’s story:

Some of the competitors were filmed going for a run around the grounds, while Prince Harry even joined in the sporting action by racing with some of the schoolchildren supported by the charities involved in Heads Together. 

The three all donned blue Heads Together bands, and joker Prince Harry made sure to capture a photo of his brother William on his phone. 

The launch coincided with today’s London Marathon; Heads Together is next year’s Charity of the Year for the 2017 Marathon, described as the “the biggest annual fundraising event on the planet”. From Fundraising UK:

A partnership of mental health charities will benefit from next year’s London Marathon after being selected as the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon Charity of the Year.

“Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank the Virgin Money London Marathon for making Heads Together their 2017 Charity of the Year. They cannot wait to see hundreds of runners hitting the streets of London next April to end the stigma on mental health once and for all.”

From The Telegraph’s story:

A spokesman for William, Kate and Harry said: “They are passionate about tackling the stigma surrounding the issue. Too often, they have seen that people feel afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health.”

The spokesman said the three are “incredibly grateful to be working with charities who have achieved so much in the fight against the stigma that surrounds the issue”.

A 2-minute launch video has been released on YouTube. In the video, each royal has a brief speaking role; in hers, Kate says “Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

Heads Together

The video includes some short outtakes at the end you might enjoy. The Heads Together Facebook page is here and the Twitter feed may be followed here.

In the video, Kate wears a J. Crew Breton stripe sweater. It is the retailer’s “Tippi Striped Sweater with Buttons“.

J. Crew

The sweater is one of Crew’s basic styles; you’ll find it offered in a variety of styles and colors. Kate’s version is 100% merino wool in ivory with navy stripes; this precise stripe pattern also comes in pool/persimmon and peach/twig. Below, a better look at the shoulder buttons.

J. Crew

Originally priced at $85, Kate’s style is now $59.99. Use promo code SCORE at checkout to receive 50% off that price, making the cost $29.99. One note of caution: this is a final sale item, it cannot be returned or exchanged. Our thanks to Middleton Maven for her identification of the sweater, as well as Melissa J who shared her ID on Facebook. As of late afternoon on Sunday the sweater is available in most regular sizes, as well as most petite sizes.

Kate also wore a pair of her skinny jeans as well as a pair of wedges it is difficult to see. Anna thinks they are the Monsoon wedges first seen on the recent tour of India and Bhutan, I think she is correct.

Monsoon

The Duchess also wore her Kiki McDonough Lauren earrings.

Kiki McDonough

We will see you again shortly for another look at the royal tour wardrobe, a poll or two and some fab repliKates. A quick reminder – if you haven’t yet voted in the tour jewelry polls, click here and let us know your favorites!