Prince William mucks in: Royal goes rural as he helps out on the farm to focus on significance of psychological well being assist to nation’s agricultural employees
Prince William mucked in and helped out on a local farm today as he highlighted the importance of mental health support for agricultural workers.
The heir to the throne met with farmers John and Laura Bowler near Bromyard, Hertfordshire, where he spoke with them about the importance of mental health and helped out with some tasks around the farm.
It is part of one of the Prince of Wales’ newer initiatives in support of charity We Are Farming Minds, which was established to tackle the stigma around mental health in the farming community.
Mr Bowler reached out to the charity after he unexpectedly took over the family farm following the death of his father in 2012, when he was just 19.
William has recently become a patron of the charity, which offers counselling, a 24/7 support line, training and social events to those it supports.
It also provides free mental health training courses to individuals and professionals in the farming community to improve support for others.
During his visit to the Bowlers’ farm, he sat down with one of the charity’s founders, Sam Stables.
He is also expected to meet Mr Bowler’s grandmother, Berry, who, at 91, still helps out on the farm.
The Prince of Wales, patron of We Are Farming Minds, during a visit to a family farm in Herefordshire today
Prince William made the visit to promote the importance of mental health support for agricultural workers
The Prince talked mental health with farmers John and Laura Bowler and founder of We Are Farming Minds Sam Stables
He helped out with daily tasks on the farm near Bromyard, Hertfordshire such as apple picking
William was also seen feeding the Bowlers’ sheep during his trip to the farm on Thursday
The Prince was meeting with farmers John and Laura Bowler (pictured) – Mr Bowler sought help from a mental health charity after taking over his father’s farm at just 19
Prince William listens to farmer John Bowler during a visit to his family farm today
Berry, who will turn 92 next week, let the Prince of Wales into a wartime secret and told how, after rationing was introduced during World War II, the family secretly kept an extra pig.
Despite contending with poor weather, the prince then helped out with some apple tree pruning.
William also fed the the Bowlers’ sheep, entering the pen in one of the farm’s barns and emptying large packets of feed for the flock.
He also sampled a local hot cider and joined the farming couple in inspecting baby Christmas trees they are growing.
Mr Bowler described the prince’s visit as a ‘massive honour’.
He said: ‘I was trying not to tell (Laura) 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”.
‘I said, you know what – Prince William is coming, I think you can take the day off.
‘It’s a massive honour. It is really great he’s come here. It is amazing he has taken an interest and is coming and promoting Farming Minds and seeing why it is so important.
The Prince became a patron of We Are Farming Minds in March 2025 (Pictured: William tries his hand at pruning apple trees)
William royally mucked in while helping with the daily grind of the farm
The Prince of Wales, patron of We Are Farming Minds, during a visit to a family farm in Herefordshire to highlight the importance of mental health support across the farming community on Thursday
Prince William greets farmers John and Laura Bowler after arriving at their farm near Bromyard, Hertfordshire today
‘It’s an honour and we’re really grateful.’
Mrs Bowler said: ‘It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. 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.’
The Prince of Wales first became a patron of We Are Farming Minds in March 2025.
Announcing him as patron, the charity said on its website: ‘We are so excited that the HRH, The Prince of Wales has officially joined us as a patron of our charity.
‘Prince William has a deep passion for the work we do, and we’re incredibly honoured to have his support.
‘With a longstanding commitment to charitable work, Prince William’s values align closely with ours. As patron, he will help raise awareness of our mission, amplify our voice, and support us in creating lasting impact for those who need it most within the farming community.
‘Having The Prince of Wales on board marks an exciting chapter in our journey. Together, we aim to reach even more people, inspire greater change, and continue building a better future for all.’
