Princess Kate reflects on 'strong sense of belonging' after joining club

The Princess of Wales offered a heartfelt look at her latest community visit on Instagram, sharing charming photographs from her time with attendees and volunteers at a weekly lunch club in Pulborough Village Hall.

Kate, 43, spoke to people about the importance of having a place where they can meet, make friends and feel connected, while also hearing how simple opportunities to come together can help ease loneliness and support wellbeing.

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“Spending time with attendees and volunteers” at the lunch club, the Princess heard how the regular gatherings create “a strong sense of belonging” for those who attend.

She also praised the everyday acts of kindness that help bring communities closer, describing it as “inspiring” to see how a culture of care can grow through small gestures.

But Kate’s afternoon began before she reached the village hall, when she joined one of West Sussex Minibus’ pick-up journeys and helped passengers travel from their homes to the minibus.

The Princess assisted passengers as they made their way aboard, getting a closer look at the volunteer-led service that has become an important lifeline for people living in rural West Sussex.

The organisation is celebrating 50 years of service this year and was originally established in response to the decline of public transport across rural communities. 

Today, West Sussex Minibus is supported by 284 volunteers and runs a fleet of 11 minibuses, travelling around 60,000 miles each year and providing approximately 13,000 passenger journeys.

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