Princess Eugenie's emotional tribute to friend who ended his life after mental health battle

The Princess wants to raise awareness of mental health issues, after a new centre that will offer 'urgent help' for men with suicidal thoughts was opened in her late friend James Wentworth-Stanley's honour.

The 28-year-old remembered James in her social media tribute, who committed suicide aged 21.

Eugenie was discussing the new James' Place, which her cousin Prince William opened on Saturday.

The centre was brought about by James' mother Clare Wentworth-Stanley, and will be used as a place for men with suicidal feelings to turn to.

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Princess Eugenie praised Clare, admitting that the new centre will 'save many lives' in James' memory, later referring to him as someone, 'who we miss every day'.

She wrote, 'What an amazing achievement for this incredibly inspiring woman Clare. Her vision of a place where men in suicidal crisis can get the face to face help they need in a non clinical environment has become a reality this week.

'This will inevitably save many lives in her son James’ memory who we miss every day. So proud of you all. @jamesplaceuk #jamesplace #suicideprevention'.

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It's thought that Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were close friends with James throughout his life. Their mother, Sarah Ferguson is also thought to be close to his mother, Clare Milford-Haven.

In fact, the Duchess of York and her daughters attended a memorial for James in 2007 - where Beatrice and Eugenie were pictured looking distraught.

Of course, the topic of mental health is also a subject close to Prince William's heart too.

Just last year, he, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, championed their successful 'Head's Together' mental health movement, to encourage the nation to speak more openly about their mental state.

Clare, speaking on the James' Place Instagram, thanked the Duke for supporting the important new centre, saying that everyone is 'immensely grateful'.

She wrote, 'Today HRH The Duke of Cambridge officially opened James’ Place. His commitment to mental health and suicide prevention is having a huge impact on not only raising awareness but also starting conversations about a subject that has previously been avoided.

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'We are immensely grateful for his support for our project and for helping make today so special in memory of James. 💙'

James' Place is located in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter.

If you are experiencing suicidal feelings, you can also contact the Samaritans and speak to someone for support onthis number -116 123, which is open 24 hours a day.

Amy Hunt

Amy Hunt is an experienced digital journalist specialising in homes, interiors and hobbies. She began her career working as the features assistant at woman&home magazine, before moving over to the digital side of the brand where she eventually became the Lifestyle Editor up until January 2022. Amy won the Digital Journalist of the Year award at the AOP Awards in 2019 for her work on womanandhome.com.