In a recent visit to Woodgate Valley Urban Farm near Birmingham, Prince William opened up about the challenges of parenting, particularly when it comes to caring for family pets.
While engaging with children at the farm, he revealed that his kids, George, Charlotte, and Louis, often forget an important responsibility regarding their pet guinea pigs.
This candid moment offered a glimpse into the Prince’s family life, showcasing the relatable struggles of parenthood.
During the visit on April 25, Prince William was seen interacting with a friendly pig, demonstrating his affection for animals.
He mentioned that his family has guinea pigs at home but humorously noted that he frequently finds himself cleaning their cage because his children tend to overlook this task.
“I spend my life cleaning out the guinea pig cage because the children forget to do it,” he shared while petting a guinea pig named Snowflake, which appeared to be well-cared for and content.
The Woodgate Valley Urban Farm serves as a sanctuary for children and adolescents facing mental health challenges and those struggling with school attendance.
The project, spearheaded by Sue Hawkswood, aims to create a calming environment where young people can thrive.
Prince William praised the initiative as a “wonderful little tranquil space,” highlighting its significance in supporting vulnerable youth.
As he toured the farm, William also took time to connect with the children present.
He visited the sheep corral, where he knelt down to stroke one of the sheep and chatted with Ms. Hawkswood’s son, Alfie.
The Prince emphasized the importance of understanding how the lambs feel, further showcasing his compassionate nature.
Adding to the day’s excitement, Prince William shared a quirky tidbit about his own birds, mentioning that they enjoy snacking on dried fruit.
This light-hearted exchange brought smiles to the faces of the children, creating a warm atmosphere during his visit.
Ms. Hawkswood highlighted the critical role the farm plays for some of the children, many of whom are grappling with severe mental health issues that prevent them from attending school.
She explained that some of these children are so distressed that they either refuse to leave their homes or resort to self-harm.
The farm, now supported by the National Lottery, offers a safe haven for these kids and their siblings from a nearby children’s hospice.
Before visiting the farm, Prince William made a surprise appearance at St. Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis.
There, he delighted a 12-year-old student named Freddie Hadley, who had previously invited him to the school.
William’s visit was a much-anticipated event, especially after he couldn’t make it on the original date of October 1.
During his time at the school, the Prince entertained the students by sharing Princess Charlotte‘s favorite knock-knock joke, which elicited laughter and applause from the audience.