Chancellor joins Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their first 2022 engagement

19 Jan 2022

Our Chancellor Lemn Sissay OBE shared his experiences of living in care at the Foundling Museum

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook their first royal engagement of the year to hear the challenges of those who grew up in care at London's Foundling Museum. The Museum tells the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity founded in 1739, and first public art gallery. The Museum aims to inspire everyone to make a positive contribution to society, by celebrating the power of individuals and the arts to change lives.

William and Catherine were joined at a roundtable discussion by Olympic runner Kris Akabusi, Chancellor Lemn Sissay, and Allan Jenkins, editor of Observer Food Monthly, who shared their experiences of growing up in care. The couple also discussed the impact of homelessness, mental health issues, and helping young people in care - with consistency in care provision identified as crucial.

The Foundling Museum delivers training, mentorship programmes and creative projects, led and developed by contemporary artists, writers and musicians, to continue to use creative action to transform and improve the lives of care-experienced young people. 

(Image credit: Kensington Royal)