William and Kate show soft side as they speak with volunteers at Jigsaw

Prince William and Kate Middleton's first stop for their second day in Ireland was meeting with young people at mental health charity, Jigsaw.

The couple met with volunteers and people who use the facility, which caters for people between 12 and 25.

One of the young people who they spoke to, Lauren Russell, said they were very interested in her story.

‘They really listened and they asked questions. They asked how I found the stigma which was a thing for me and I wasn’t always open.’

She added: ‘I was nervous when they walked into the room as it was surreal. But once they sat down, the nerves went as they were so lovely and genuine.’

While volunteer Josh Graves says the Royals showed off their softer side as they broke royal protocol by touching the people they met.

‘I just found it weird because you hear all these horror stories about the protocol, you know that you’re not meant to have any other contact apart form a handshake,' he admitted.

'But in mid-conversation William would put his hand on my shoulder and just engage, which is normal from any other humans but when you meet the Royals you expect different circumstances!’

Alba Mullen, a youth representative on the Jigsaw Board of Trustees said: 'I was so struck by the similarities in our community work in Jigsaw and that of Heads Together, the campaign The Duke and Duchess spearhead in the UK.'

'I really hope this is the start of an ongoing conversation. Supporting young people’s mental health in places where they learn, live, work and play is crucial. It’s all about a collective effort.'

The couple work closely with mental health charities in the UK, so it was clear that this topic is close to their hearts.