The Duke of Cambridge has made an “audio walking experience” to encourage people to get outdoors, as Apple donates tens of thousands of pounds to life-saving charities in return.

The Duke, who is a fan of the Time to Walk series, will take people on a stroll through Norfolk for a 28-minute special episode – similar to a podcast – in which he takes part in a 21st-century Desert Island Discs.

Following in the footsteps of Stephen Fry, Dolly Parton, Naomi Campbell, Cynthia Erivo and Anthony Joshua, he has recorded himself chatting to listeners as he walks through the countryside.

Designed to encourage people into the habit of exercise, the Apple Fitness+ “experience” tracks each walk through stories, photographs and songs popping up on a user’s Apple Watch.

Announcing the episode, the Duke said: “Walking has been a feature of my life during the good times and the bad, come rain or shine.

“For me, it provides an opportunity to clear my mind and gain some perspective. It’s a key part of how I manage my mental health.

“It can be a very sociable exercise or a moment of complete calm and isolation.

“In the hope of inspiring a few other people to get active and take time for their own mental health, I wanted to share a few of my stories and favourite songs with you in an episode of Time to Walk.”

Duke talks about ‘importance of keeping mentally fit’

The Duke agreed to take part in his own special episode highlighting the importance of fresh air for mental health, conscious of the strain of the long winter months ahead.

Kensington Palace said his decision was based on “recognising the significant impact that walking has on mental health, and that the Christmas period can be challenging for many”. 

Apple has agreed to donate a five-figure sum to each of three charities – Shout in the UK, Crisis Text Line in the USA and Lifeline in Australia.

All offer crisis support via text message or telephone calls. Lifeline is also a suicide prevention service which promises no-one “has to face their darkest moments alone”.

The Duke, who worked as an air ambulance pilot and was the co-founder of Heads Together with his wife and brother, has spoken regularly about the importance of mental health.

He believes the simple remedies of walking and talking can help boost people’s mood, providing a simple release from bottling up their problems.

The Duke will take listeners on a walk through the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, from Sandringham House, past St. Mary Magdalene Church, and ending eventually in the Cambridges’ home at Anmer.