A right royal surprise for schoolboy Freddie

A BOY who invited Prince William to his school yesterday told of his shock after the royal made a surprise visit.

- Emily Ferguson

The heir to the throne left Freddie Hadley speechless when he turned up to learn about his school's mental health initiatives, insisting: "I promised I would come." 

Freddie, 12, took to X last October to invite William to St Michael's Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, West Midlands.

Much to the boy's delight, the Prince responded two days later, commending Freddie and his pals for "tackling mental health challenges and stigmas head on".

He sent his apologies for being unable to visit the school.

But Freddie's letter appeared to have struck a chord with William, who asked his team to arrange a visit to the school next time he was planning public engagements in the region.