A seven-year-old boy was left speechless when he received a letter from the Royal family.

Harry Rudden-Vine, from Shorne, wrote to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about his school's garden after the couple advocated the outdoors as a way of supporting mental wellbeing.

Prince William and Kate replied to the Year 2 pupil to express their thanks after Harry shared his story about Shorne Church of England Primary School's peace garden.

The outdoor area was designed to give pupils a quiet place to relax once they returned to school after two months away during lockdown.

Harry's mum, Clair Rudden-Vine, said: "Harry was amazed when he received a letter back from Kensington Palace, thanking him for telling them about this special and helpful project.

"He wasn't expecting an answer and was thrilled when the letter turned up. He thought how lovely they both were to even consider spending the time to ensure a letter got back to him.

"The head [Tara Hewitt] had allowed the children to be involved in designing and bringing in things for the garden and the children really enjoyed it.

"It's been something every child can get involved with and gain something from their time at the school.

"The school have worked so hard to consider all the children's needs.

"It speaks volumes about the kind of school it is and how thoughtful the teaching staff are."

Harry described his surprise upon opening the letter and thought how kind it was of the Duke and Duchess to reply to him, "an ordinary school boy."

Written on behalf of the Royal Highnesses by Claudia Spens, head of general correspondence for the couple, the letter read: "Their Royal Highnesses are most grateful to you for taking the trouble to write as you did, about being home-schooled during the coronavirus pandemic, and they thank you for sharing your feelings with them.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were very interested to hear about your school's Peace Garden, and how helpful it has been for the mental health and wellbeing of you and the other school children.

"Their Royal Highnesses are committed champions of issues related to children's mental health and emotional wellbeing and they were heartened to hear that you, too, care passionately about the importance of good mental health."

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