Prince William and Kate to break from traditional royal engagement model

The Prince and Princess of Wales are to modernise royal visits by generating cash for local communities.

The couple are determined to evolve their way of working in order to create notable change in the areas they visit.

In breaking away from the traditional mould of royal engagements, they hope to ensure that the monarchy remains "relevant" by having a positive impact on the ground.

On Thursday, the Prince and Princess piloted the new model, called a Community Impact Day, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

The couple announced during the “extremely significant” visit that £345,000 had been raised through a three-month collaboration between their Royal Foundation and the local Two Ridings Community Foundation.

The money was donated  privately by local individuals and organisations and will be used to galvanise long-term support for young people’s mental health in the town.

It will be distributed to a range of local services by a panel tasked with deciding where it is most needed.

The panel includes young people who themselves have been supported by local community organisations. The fund is expected to grow in the coming months.

The Prince and Princess plan to roll out further pilots next year in different parts of the UK, each focused on one of the Royal Foundation’s specific interest areas.

Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, sources close to the couple have made clear that they intend to tackle their new roles in their own, distinct way.

Their approach marks a notable shift in tone and is indicative of their desire for the modern monarchy to be more relatable.

They will continue to take part in normal visits, but will combine them with the new model.

The pilots are considered a "signal of intent" in terms of their future work and will allow their Kensington Palace team a chance to tweak and improve the structure as they move forward.

In Scarborough, almost one third of residents live in areas that are among the most deprived in England, meaning that mental health provision is often insufficient.

The Prince and Princess spent time at a local community hub called The Street, where they met the panel of young people who helped decide on the allocation of funding, and representatives from three beneficiaries of the money, Gallows Close Centre, Sidewalk Youth Project and Flash Company Arts.

Before leaving, Prince William delivered an off-the-cuff speech in which he said it was "crucial" to provide valuable mental health services within the community.

"For Catherine and I, the legacy of today is bringing together and collaborating and showing what can be done when a community comes together," he said.

"It is something we'd like to follow on and I hope can be represented more widely across the country."

Sources said the funding announcement would not have been possible without the work of the Royal Foundation, which also made a donation.

The cash will be used to boost the provision of safe spaces, affordable sports and outdoor activities, youth work, creative workshops and mentoring.

Amanda Berry, the chief executive of the Royal Foundation, said the Prince and Princess felt "extremely passionate" about ensuring young people have access to a wide range of mental health support.

She added: "The Royal Foundation is therefore delighted that by working with Two Ridings Community Foundation, we have played a pivotal role in galvanising funding to support the organisations doing this vital work in the community, creating a long-lasting impact for young people in Scarborough."

Jan Garrill, the chief executive of two Ridings Community Foundation, said the fund offered the "perfect opportunity" to involve young people in decisions that affect them.

"These funds are just the start, and we hope others show the same leadership and compassion and invest in this work," she said.

One of the young people on the panel, Katie Robinson, said it was "great" to have their views listened to and their opinions counted.

"I know what issues young people care about and what support and services they need," she said.