The Royal Fab Four Have Reunited for Their First Joint Project Since Splitting Households

Forget the Avengers; there’s a new all-powerful squad in town who are reuniting for the common good, and that squad is the royal fab four. For the first time since announcing that they would be splitting households (opens in new tab), the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (opens in new tab), and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (opens in new tab), are teaming up on a joint project— and it’s for an incredible cause.

On Friday, Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and new mom Meghan Markle (opens in new tab) officially announced the launch of their new joint venture, Shout (opens in new tab). A 24 hour text service for young people in the UK, the helpline aims to connect those struggling with their mental health with trained volunteers, who can help them at their moment of crisis.

The inspiring service backed by the royals will see volunteers (supported by clinical professionals) on hand to reply to texts from people suffering from mental health issues such as suicidal thoughts, abuse, bullying or relationship problems.

While Meghan and Harry are currently a little tied up with their new arrival (opens in new tab) (and a trip to the Hague for the Invictus Games (opens in new tab)), William and Kate were on hand at Kensington Palace on Thursday to explain all. On behalf of the fab four, the Duke of Cambridge said in a launch video: "Over the past few months Shout has started working quietly behind the scenes and Harry, Meghan, Catherine and I have been able to see the service working up close and are so excited for its future.”

William went on to appeal for more volunteers for Shout, saying: "At the heart of this service will be an incredible national volunteer community, one which needs to grow and allow us to support more people in crisis. We hope that many more of you will join us and be part of something very special.”

It’s a cause close to home for both royal couples, who have each long championed the importance of mental health awareness (opens in new tab) and speaking out on the topic. Prince Harry only recently announced a joint Apple TV project with Oprah (opens in new tab) on the subject, while he, Prince William and Kate began the Heads Together campaign back in 2017. Meghan has also spoken candidly and openly about taking measures to protect her own mental health from the effects of social media (opens in new tab).

Shout was launched in partnership with the U.S.'s Crisis Text Line. Residents of the U.K. should visit giveusashout.org to learn more, while residents of the U.S. should visit crisistextline.org.

Nothing but respect for MY royal fab four.

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