'I work with Prince William and this is what he's really like behind the scenes'

The heir has been the patron of Herefordshire-based charity We Are Farming Minds, which was established to support farmers and promote good mental health, since March 2025. After warming up in the barn with a mug of hot local cider and discussing the issues Mr and Mrs Bowler have faced running their 190-acre family farm, the pair took William to the orchard, where he had a go at pruning and cutting back apple trees.

He also toured the farm's growing Christmas trees and jumped into the sheep pen to feed the animals before meeting Mr Bowler's grandmother Betty, to wish her a happy birthday for her upcoming 92nd milestone.

Sam Stables, founder of We Are Farming Minds, who was also present for the prince's visit, said about William: “He's an amazing man, he's incredible to speak to.

"He's incredibly empathetic, he worries about people and is a genuine, decent person, so everything he does to help us is immense and massively appreciated."

He added: "It's an honour that he is incredibly passionate about the countryside and farmers and for me to have him as patron, we couldn't want for anything more."

Mr Stables added that calls to the charity for support have more than doubled in the last 12 months as farmers face issues surrounding inheritance tax and rising costs.

He said: “It has been well documented what farming families are going through.

“We are seeing unprecedented calls to our support line from farmers who are struggling.

“The farming industry is in crisis and having the support of the prince is incredible. He's very much aware of everything going on.”