Prince William launches Ready Together emergency toolkit in Ilminster, Somerset

Mixed · 2The Prince of Wales visited Ilminster in Somerset on Tuesday 6 October 2026 to launch Ready Together, a National Emergencies Trust project giving communities across the UK practical guidance on preparing for and responding to emergencies. 1 2 Mixed · 2William is patron of the trust, and took part in a training exercise with volunteers and young people that involved a series of emergency scenarios. 1 2 Right · 1GB News reported that the actor and presenter Ross Kemp also took part, and that the toolkit was developed with research by Nottingham Trent University and can be adapted to communities of any size. 2

Mixed · 2A Kensington Palace spokesman said research shows people are very willing to help in an emergency, including their neighbours, but far fewer feel their communities have the structures and plans to respond effectively, and that Ready Together aims to turn goodwill into practical preparedness. 1 2 Mixed · 2William also met members of the Ilminster Resilience Group, which has supported residents during severe flooding, and visited Sweet Surprise, a café offering opportunities to adults with learning disabilities. 1 2 Mixed · 2The visit ended at Ilminster Fire Station, where he met Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service representatives and learned about mapping and forecasting tools used to prepare for the growing risk of wildfires. 1 2

Right · 1GB News added that the visit followed a trip to Hereford the previous week, that Ilminster was chosen as a community already putting this approach into practice, and that William shook hands with the trust's chief executive, Mhairi Sharp. 2