Kate Middleton’s touching promise to mum whose daughter was lost to suicide at 17

The Princess of Wales shared the deeply emotional moment during a special royal engagement.

Kate Middleton and Sarah Renton
(Image credit: Getty)

Kate Middleton made a touching promise to a mum whose daughter was lost to suicide at 17.


Kate Middleton made a touching promise to a mum whose daughter was lost to suicide aged 17.

The Princess of Wales met with Sarah Renton, a coach at Maidenhead Rugby Club, during her recent royal visit as royal patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League, which she took over from Prince Harry.

There she learned that Mrs Renton's daughter Issy - a talented sportswoman - tragically took her own life back in April this year.

Upon meeting Kate, Sarah gave her a pair of Issy star-shaped earrings which were made by her cousin in Issy's memory.

The young sports star was said to be doing so well in her A levels and was going to do an elite rugby programme. Her mum said, "She played touch rugby for England and got a gold medal in the summer."

But she was also struggling with depression. Mrs Renton continued, "Everything was harder than it was supposed to be. We thought she was obviously doing better than she was.

"But I think one of the things we are looking at is GPs, medication and lack of support.

"She got herself in a bit of a vacuum. It’s affected a lot of the parents and children here at the club but we are getting through it together."

During their initial meeting Kate made a touching promise to the grieving mum.

Showing her emotions, Kate hugged Mrs Renton as they exchanged words and promised to wear them.

Kate Middleton hugging mum Sarah Renton whose daughter Issy was lost to suicide at 17

(Image credit: Getty)

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Renton said, "The princess said she would wear the earrings. She is very passionate about what she does. It was so great that she came down here today."

Five pounds of the proceeds from the earrings, which cost £25.50, are going to a charity called Brave Minds, a mental health charity that supports children using the platforms of rugby clubs. 

"Mental health is such an important issue. She was wonderful, Issy, a real breath of fresh air. She had wonderful, wonderful friends, surrounded herself with the best people."

Issy Renton and split layout with Issy star earrings

(Image credit: earsass.com)

If you're struggling with mental health contact Samaritans any time day or night for free on 116 123.

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Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)