The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry will cheer on runners at this year’s London Marathon to help raise awareness about mental health, Kensington Palace announced today.
All 39,000 runners taking part will also be given a Heads Together campaign headband to help make it the “mental health marathon”.
The three royals will attend the event and support participants at points along the route.
Prince Harry also today released a video message ahead of the Virgin Money London Marathon on April 23.
He, William and Kate hope that, with so many participants wearing the Heads Together headband on race day, it will help end the stigma surrounding mental health once and for all.
In the days leading up to the Marathon, Heads Together headbands will pop up in London and online — and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend engagements to get the country talking about mental health.
In his message to all 39,000 runners, Harry says: “You’ve been training for months and the start line for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon is finally within sight.
"I’m sure it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. William, Catherine and I will be there to cheer you all on.
“We want to use this moment to help end the stigma that stops people talking and change the conversation about mental health for good.
"You can make it the mental health marathon. We know that many of you will be running for some incredible charities because you have been directly affected by life-changing issues.
“You’ll recognise the emotional impact these can have, and how talking about it openly can help. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health.
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"You can all play your part in the biggest ever movement for mental health. Whatever cause you are running for, wear your vest with pride, and please wear your Heads Together headband too. Together we’ll get the whole country talking about mental health.
“Good luck and see you at the finish line,” he said.
