Royal approval: Princes William and Harry back YEP's #SpeakYourMind campaign

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry (right) arriving at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London where they launched Heads Together - their new campaign to end mental health stigma. PA

The Yorkshire Evening Post's #SpeakYourMind campaign has been given the royal seal of approval.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have commended our mental health campaign for “vitally highlighting” the need to break down stigma in Leeds by talking openly.

The royal support follows months of campaigning across the country by the trio through their Heads Together initiative which, like #SpeakYourMind, is also aiming to end stigma surrounding mental health.

A spokesperson from  Kensington Palace said: “The Yorkshire Evening Post’s #SpeakYourMind campaign is playing a commendable role in Leeds by challenging and breaking down the stigma that surrounds the important topic of mental health. By encouraging readers to share their personal struggles, the paper is vitally highlighting just how powerful talking openly about mental health challenges can be.

“Their Royal Highnesses applaud the fantastic work that is taking place across the country encouraging people to have open conversations with one another about their mental wellbeing. It is vital that fear of judgement does not prevent people from getting the help they need.”

The backing from Prince Harry, Prince William and the Duchess comes seven months after the YEP first launched #SpeakYourMind under former editor, Nicola Furbisher.

In March, our campaign was also officially supported by the Prime Minister Theresa May, who praised YEP readers for sharing their experiences with mental health.

Current YEP Editor Hannah Thaxter said the royal approval demonstrates that our message – to combat stigma by getting more people talking about mental health issues – is now being heard across the country.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have this recognition.

“The work their Royal Highnesses are doing with Heads Together, chimes perfectly with our campaign.

“It is something we, at the YEP, believe passionately about. If we can make a difference to how people feel about mental health problems, and if we can encourage more people to speak openly about the issue then the campai