Surprise Guest Alert – Prince William Joins Beloved Show For Special Reason
He appears eager to broaden his repertoire with a surprising foray into reality TV.
Prince William is no stranger to a packed schedule, balancing royal duties with the demands of raising three young children. But now, it looks like he’s adding an unexpected role to his busy life - reality TV star.
Recently, William made headlines when he was spotted filming with the crew of the popular series Clarkson’s Farm. The surprise collaboration took place at Folly Farm in Somerset, where William visited young farmers to spotlight mental health challenges in the agricultural community.
As the Duke of Cornwall, Prince William isn't just any visitor; he’s also the landlord to duchy tenants, many of whom work in farming. His visit aligns with his new role as patron of We Are Farming Minds, a charity supported by the Duchy of Cornwall.
The charity aims to provide mental health support for farmers facing isolation and stress, building on a strategy the duchy initiated in 2023 to become a leading provider of mental health services for its tenants.
William’s visit to Folly Farm wasn’t a solo royal engagement. He was accompanied by two familiar faces from Clarkson’s Farm - Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland, both popular personalities known for their down-to-earth humor and genuine farming insights.
During their meeting, William revealed a fun family connection to Kaleb. He shared that his eldest son, Prince George, is a big fan of the show. William humorously relayed a special message from George: “You’ve got George watching now,” William told Kaleb. “I said to him, ‘What shall I say if I meet Kaleb?’ He said, ‘Tell Kaleb to mind his language.’”
Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland take center stage in "William with Clarkson’s Farm."
William’s participation in Clarkson’s Farm will undoubtedly earn him points at home with George. More importantly, it helps draw attention to a crucial issue, farmer mental health.
While at Folly Farm, William spoke directly with duchy tenants Sam and Emily Stables, who founded We Are Farming Minds in 2020 after Sam faced his own mental health crisis. Sam’s personal experience highlights the intense pressure and stress currently facing British agriculture.
“British agriculture is under stress, beyond stress,” Sam shared openly. “We talk about resilience: that's a big word, and farmers are resilient, but we’re facing a crisis.” His words emphasize the urgency of addressing mental health openly and proactively within farming communities.
Prince William engages with the local farming community in Somerset.
Discussing the broader efforts underway to reduce stigma around mental health in the UK, William acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that real change might take longer than hoped. “With a lot of the work and the research we’ve done, it will take a generation to fix this," William explained, "but I do think we’re headed the right way, and I’m excited by that journey and that progress.”
Prince William also addressed an issue relevant to everyone, not just farmers, our relationship with technology. He expressed concerns about excessive phone use, pointing out its impact on mental health. “I worry how much we’re on our phones and data," he remarked.
"First thing you’re doing when you wake up in the morning, last thing you do at night, check phones. We’ve got to get out of that habit, because mentally, that is not good for all of us. Your brain is not resting.”William's appearance on Clarkson’s Farm goes far beyond just adding another achievement to his resume. It clearly demonstrates his commitment to using his public platform to address critical societal challenges.
By drawing attention to the pressing issues around mental health, particularly within rural communities, he not only fosters an important conversation but also inspires action. His active involvement underlines the responsibility of those in the public eye to use their influence for the greater good and to drive positive change.