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Smiling during their first public appearances since the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare, William promised to “keep going”. And wife Kate – in what could have been a reference to her
brother-in-law – suggested that “talking therapies don’t work for some people, they’re not for everybody”. The Prince and Princess of Wales were in Merseyside to officially open the Royal
Liverpool University Hospital and visit a mental health charity for young people. Their visit comes after Harry claimed William thought he was being brainwashed by his therapist, despite
both brothers’ support for efforts to help people with mental health issues. King Charles, meanwhile, was beaming as he met community groups in Aberdeenshire, close to his Birkhall home on
the Balmoral estate. All three were greeted by cheering fans who showed their support as the bitter feud with Harry and Meghan rumbles on. William, 40, and Kate, 41, had crowds clamouring to
shake their hands. Among them was patient Sylvia Staniford, 81, who gripped William’s hand tightly and said: “Keep going, keep going. Scousers love you.” The Prince smiled at her warmly and
replied: “Yes, I will.” Sylvia said afterwards: “Of course that was a reference to Harry. He knew what I was talking about.” The smiling couple ignored questions about Harry from reporters
at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. William and Kate posed for numerous selfies with patients and staff and also stroked Rosie the therapy dog. They asked the healthcare workers how
they were coping, urging them to look after themselves and thanking them for the “fantastic” jobs they were doing. The hospital is the biggest in the country to provide single en-suite
bedrooms. Opened last October, it has 640 beds, 40 for critical care, hosts numerous specialist services and focuses on complex planned care. Across the Mersey, at Open Door in Birkenhead,
they were ambushed again about Harry. One journalist asked twice: “Have you had a chance to read your brother’s book at all?” William ignored the questions and the royal couple walked past
to hear how the charity uses dance classes, film nights, art and music as therapy for young people. One group, aged between 11 and 18, had used the charity’s Oomoo programme to create a
music album. Four teens who spoke with the couple, voiced their support. One said: “I feel privileged that after everything going on for them, they came to see us. It shows that nothing can
stop them.” In Aberdeenshire, King Charles, 74, looked relaxed and resplendent in a Hunter’s Tartan kilt, as he visited the Aboyne & District Men’s Shed that offers hardship support.
Local charity workers had been asked not to discuss the family drama. But outside Sandra Charles, 64, who was on holiday from Brisbane, Australia, said: “Charles has my full support. The
Royal Family not commenting is the correct approach.” Meanwhile, a poll says Harry’s popularity has plunged to a record low in the UK. YouGov recorded his lowest ever favourability rating of
-44, down from -38 last week. It also showed that the Sussexes are now so disliked by over-65s that their popularity ratings are even worse than Prince Andrew’s. While 60 per cent of the
older generation have a “very” negative view of the Duke of York, that rises to 69 percent for Meghan and 73 percent for Harry.