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Prince William and Kate comfort father of teenager who killed herself after viewing suicide posts on Instagram

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet Ian Russell: REUTERS
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet Ian Russell: REUTERS

Prince William and Kate comforted the father of teenager Molly Russell today who killed herself after viewing graphic suicide content on Instagram.

The Duke of Cambridge, who has criticised tech giants for their response to online bullying, questioned whether online companies are doing enough when he met Ian Russell at an event for volunteers who help people in crisis.

Molly, 14, from Harrow, committed suicide in November 2017 after viewing graphic self-harm and suicide material online.

William wrote to Mr Russell and his family earlier this year, offering his support.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet Ian Russell (REUTERS)
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meet Ian Russell (REUTERS)

“Do you think companies like Instagram are doing enough?” the future King asked Mr Russell on Tuesday, before putting his hand on his shoulder and adding: “If we can help you in any way please let us know.”

Mr Russell, who has accused Instagram of “helping to kill” his daughter because of the material she accessed, welcomed the Cambridges’ support.

“My thoughts on Instagram are, we're grateful that they're doing something but I think they're only really inching along the road, and they need to do a lot more,” he said, arguing that accessing and getting rid of harmful material was easier than the internet giant had made out.

Mr Russell met the royal couple at an event to celebrate the work of volunteers for Shout, Britain’s first national round-the-clock text messaging support service helping people in crisis.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Getty Images)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Getty Images)

It began operating in May 2018 but was formerly launched by the Dukes and Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex in May 2019 after receiving £3 million investment from their then-combined charity umbrella group, the Royal Foundation.

Mr Russell said: “This is one of the most positive crisis services that I have come across.

“Since Molly's death we've been searching for really solid easy, solutions. This is one of the foremost and it's because it's text based.”

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Getty Images)
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Getty Images)

Research has found that young people particularly find text messaging about their problems easier than talking over the phone or face-to-face.

Mr Russell hailed royal support for his family.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is presented with flowers from Michaela Conway (Getty Images)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is presented with flowers from Michaela Conway (Getty Images)

“Molly's family was very pleased earlier this year when the Duke wrote to us to offer his support,” he said.

“Support from all ends helps, support from the Royal Family perhaps particularly helps.”