By Foreign & Commonwealth Office, OGL 3, Wiki Commons

The Duchess of Edinburgh, who is patron of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), got a head start on celebrating its annual Childhood Day as she joined school children in a fundraising activity.

During a visit to Richard Atkins Primary School in Brixton ahead of the 9 June celebration, The Duchess spent time with children as they did several activities and even had a few show-and-tell opportunities for Her Royal Highness. The children showed the Duchess a spinner with choices in which they could complete their Childhood Day Mile, and they showed pictures they made especially for the visit.

On 9 June, people are encouraged to participate in the Childhood Day Mile. With a sign-up fee of £5, you’re encouraged to fundraise for NSPCC and plan your mile route as you compete with friends, family, or solo. Throughout your mile, the goal is to raise money to help change a child’s life. For example, £100 could pay for one of NSPCC’s trained volunteer counsellors to answer 25 calls to Childline.

Her Royal Highness met with two Speak Out Stay Safe volunteers working with pupils at Richard Atkins Primary School. The NSPCC has created workshops to help children understand abuse in all of its forms and how to find support.

The Duchess isn’t the only royal to support NSPCC. Royal support dates back to the 19th century when Queen Victoria became patron in 1889. Since then, its had multiple patrons, including King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, to Queen Elizabeth II, to now the Duchess of Edinburgh.

The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity in the UK and Channel Islands to end child abuse. Childhood Day was launched in 2020 as a way to unite the UK and highlight how everyone can play their part in keeping children safe from neglect and abuse.