In a revealing interview featured in an upcoming ITV documentary, Prince William has opened up about the significant influence his mother, Princess Diana, has had on his commitment to addressing homelessness. He recalls his childhood visits to The Passage, a homelessness charity, where his mother’s compassion and engagement with those in need left a lasting impression on him.
Reflecting on those formative experiences, he shares, “When I was very small, my mother started talking about homelessness, much like I do now with my children on the school run.” The insights he gained during those visits helped him realize the importance of looking beyond the confines of royal life, fostering a sense of empathy that he hopes to impart to his own children.
Prince William expressed a sense of responsibility regarding his role in tackling homelessness, saying at times he feels guilty for not doing enough. His dedication to creating positive change is evident in his ongoing support for The Passage, which offers assistance and friendship to London’s homeless population. The charity not only helped establish his current Homewards project, aimed at combating homelessness across the UK, but it also draws from his childhood memories of visiting with Princess Diana.
“I remember being a bit anxious about what to expect,” he recalls. “But my mother went about her usual business of making everyone feel relaxed. I thought, if everyone doesn’t have a home, they must be really sad. But it was incredible how happy the environment was.”
The documentary features previously unseen photographs of Prince William with his mother at The Passage in 1993, capturing poignant moments from their time there. He fondly remembers engaging in activities like playing chess while having meaningful conversations with the individuals he met.
Having served as the charity’s official patron since 2019, Prince William continues to dedicate his time to The Passage, often extending his visits far beyond the planned schedule. In the documentary, he is shown participating in a Christmas dinner, where he serves food and connects with regular visitors, demonstrating his genuine compassion.
With his privileged background, the prince acknowledges the weight of his public position. He believes it is essential to utilize that influence to foster change, stating, “I feel, with my position and my platform, I should be delivering change.” He expressed that his role isn’t merely to listen but to take actionable steps that can bring joy to those facing hardships.
Mick Clarke, the chief executive of The Passage, remarks on Prince William’s interactions with clients, noting, “I think he feels most at home when he’s just chatting away with our clients and hearing their stories. He’s very good at putting people at ease.”
