Former inmate reveals life-changing moment with the Princess of Wales
Kate Middleton’s visit to HMP Send in Surrey during a 12-week rehabilitation program in 2020 left a lasting impression on Francesca Fattore, a former inmate whose encounter with the Princess of Wales was nothing short of transformative.
Francesca, who had struggled with heroin and crack addiction before her imprisonment, shared her shock at Kate’s empathetic and non-judgmental approach. “The one thing that really surprised me about Kate was how she didn’t judge—she just didn’t care that I was a prisoner,” she told Reach PLC.
During their meeting, Kate sat next to Francesca, treating her with equality and respect. “She truly supports rehabilitation, and that meant the world to me,” Francesca said. “You’d expect so many people to judge prisoners and ex-prisoners, but she didn’t. She made me feel like an equal.”
Despite initial nerves, Francesca was put at ease by Kate’s warm and reassuring demeanour. “I was shaking, but she sat down next to me and said, ‘Don’t be silly, it’s fine.’ She made me feel so comfortable.”
The meeting took a surprising turn when Francesca revealed that prison had been the best thing to happen to her, prompting a curious response from Kate. “She was shocked and said, ‘Why do all prisoners say that to me?’”
Francesca’s experience highlights Kate’s dedication to supporting rehabilitation and her ability to connect on a deeply personal level. The Princess of Wales’ compassion and genuine concern continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact on those she meets.
