Prince of Wales prunes apple trees during visit to Herefordshire family farm
Prince William highlighted mental health support for farmers on visit to a Herefordshire farm
The Prince of Wales tried his hand at pruning apple trees and fed hungry sheep during a visit to a family farm in Herefordshire as he highlighted the importance of mental health support in the farming community.
Prince William met farmers John and Laura Bowler and toured their 190-acre family farm to learn more about the challenges they face.
William has been a patron of Herefordshire-based charity We Are Farming Minds since March 2025.
The charity promotes mental health support within the farming community.
During the visit, Mr Bowler jokingly welcomed him, saying, "You're here about the pruning job I think... that's great, I'm planning on going on holiday soon."
Prince William smiled and replied, "Yes that's it... leave me to it."
After warming up in the barn with a mug of hot local cider and discussing the issues Mr and Mrs Bowler have faced running farm, the prince visited their orchard, where he tried his hand at pruning apple trees and cutting back branches.
After seeing their growing Christmas trees, William stepped into the sheep pen to feed the animals.
The tour continued with a visit to Mr Bowler’s grandmother Betty, where William wished her a happy 92nd birthday in advance.
The royal remarked humorously, "I'm not sure I've done much to help," when introduced as someone who had been lending a hand on the farm that day.
Mr Bowler, who took over the farm at age 19 following his father’s death, said William’s visit was a "massive honour."
He shared how he initially tried to keep the news of the prince’s arrival secret but later convinced his wife Laura to take the day off work for the visit.
"It is amazing he has taken an interest and is coming and promoting Farming Minds and seeing why it is so important," Mr Bowler said.
Mrs Bowler said: "It's been a bit of a whirlwind. It really gave us a boost at the time of year where really we are at our lowest.
"Everything is broken and you spend the winter fixing everything and making plans for the year, but this is carrying us through, it is something exciting.
"Even if it makes another small farm think 'oh we're actually seen and actually worthwhile', it is great. It gives you a boost."