The Princess of Wales, Kate, has demonstrated a simple yet profound therapeutic technique during a visit to a specialist children's trauma centre in Bradford. On Tuesday 27th January 2026, Kate engaged with young beneficiaries at Family Action's Children's Trauma Therapy Service, highlighting the critical role of creativity, community, and nature in recovery from psychological distress.
A Moment of Calm: Listening to the Sea
During her engagement, Kate interacted with a five-year-old girl who was being assisted by a therapist in creating a 'box of wishes'. In a tender moment, the Princess showed the child how to listen to the sea by holding a shell to her ear. 'Sometimes if you put them to your ear, you can sometimes hear the sea, do you want to see if you can hear the sea?' Kate gently suggested. 'Sometimes you can hear the waves. If you listen very quietly. That's what I like doing with shells. If you close your eyes you can sometimes imagine you're by the beach.'
The young girl responded affirmatively when asked if she could hear the waves, showcasing the power of imaginative play in therapeutic settings. She also presented Kate with a 'potion' she had crafted, designed to ward off 'the bad dreams'. The Princess remarked to the girl's mother, 'Lots of people need more of these,' underscoring the universal need for such supportive interventions.
Therapeutic Strategies for Healing
The therapist explained that feathers had been selected for the wish box to help calm the girl's 'busy head'. The child's mother shared that her daughter had 'loved' meeting the princess, noting her typically energetic nature. 'I don't know how I'm going to get her back after this. She's very busy-minded, she's normally covered in slime,' she told the Press Association.
Reflecting on the centre's impact, the mother-of-two emphasised the importance of open communication in trauma recovery. 'You always think when something like that happens, don't mention it to (the children) but they're supposed to speak, otherwise they just repress it.' This insight aligns with the service's mission to help families navigate adversity, abuse, and traumatic bereavement.
Creative Expression in Trauma Therapy
Kate, who serves as a patron of Family Action, also met a 12-year-old boy who discussed using music in his therapy sessions. He described now playing the drums in a school band, favouring instruments 'I can smack' as a form of expression. The Princess affirmed this approach, stating, 'Exactly, and that's a fantastic way to express yourself and also manage really difficult and hard feelings that are sometimes harder to express with words.'
This visit was the first of three engagements in northern England specifically chosen to spotlight the healing potential of creative and natural elements for individuals grappling with trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges. Family Action, a national charity, supports children aged four to 18 and their families, providing essential resources for recovery and resilience building.
The Broader Impact of Royal Support
The Princess's involvement not only brings visibility to the vital work of trauma therapy services but also reinforces the value of integrative methods that combine art, nature, and community support. By participating in these activities, Kate helps destigmatise mental health struggles and promotes accessible therapeutic techniques that can be replicated in various settings.
This engagement in Bradford illustrates a growing recognition within the UK of the need for compassionate, innovative approaches to mental health care, particularly for vulnerable children and families facing significant hardships.
