A UNIVERSITY of Essex student has recalled the surreal moment he joined royalty for a discussion about mental health on national radio.

Antonio Ferreira, 24, was part of a panel of students and experts who spoke with the Prince and Princess of Wales on BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat.

Antonio, who is studying psychology with cognitive neuroscience, was diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia and emotionally unstable personality disorder as a teenager.

He discussed his own journey with the royal couple during the programme and shared tips on how he now manages his mental health.

The student described meeting the royal couple as a “surreal experience”, with the duo helping to calm his nerves by being “compassionate and relatable”.

Gazette: Activist - Antonio FerreiraActivist - Antonio Ferreira (Image: University of Essex)

“I knew they were there in front of me, but I still couldn’t believe it was happening,” Antonio said.

“The one thing I kept reminding myself was that this was a true testament to how far I’ve come.

“From a young teenager hopeless in a mental health ward to sitting in the BBC Live Lounge with the Prince and Princess of Wales, discussing my journey.

“Meeting the royals is a moment I will always cherish and use as my motivation to keep going.

“I cannot thank the royals enough for being a listening ear to us.”

As a mental health activist, Antonio has worked on a number of projects, including helping with a storyline for BBC’s EastEnders around schizophrenia.

Gazette: Royal chat - the talk was held in BBC Radio 1's Live LoungeRoyal chat - the talk was held in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge (Image: BBC)

He insisted the discussion on mental health with the Prince and Princess of Wales shows the importance of open conversations on the subject, and how they can be a catalyst for change.

Antonio said: “When conversations around mental health are discussed by important people it develops a snowball effect.

“I only hope having these conversations with people like the Prince and Princess of Wales will shed light on what it means to be able to discuss our mental health, how it can benefit us and the way in which it can promote mental well-being.

“It’s great to have everyone positively discussing mental health; to have the conversation with the people at the top is our best channel of spreading that greatness.”