The Prince of Wales has opened up on feeling guilty about the homelessness crisis in Britain in a new documentary.
The heir to the throne also mentioned his brother Prince Harry during the documentary in what appeared to be an olive branch amid their feud.
Prince William revealed his commitment to tackling homelessness, inspired by childhood visits to shelters with his mother, Princess Diana.
In a new ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, the heir to the throne offered a rare glimpse into his efforts to address this pressing issue.
The Prince of Wales has opened up on feeling guilty about the homelessness crisis in Britain in a new documentary.
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The two-part series showcases the first year of the prince’s Homewards initiative, highlighting his personal connection to the cause.
William, now 42, recalled his first visit to a homeless shelter at the age of 11, an experience that left a lasting impact on him.
The Prince admitted to feeling personal guilt about the homelessness crisis in Britain.
In the documentary, he said: “I’ve spent enough time learning and listening to what people have been through that I feel almost guilty every time I leave, that I’m not doing more to help.”
William, now 42, recalled his first visit to a homeless shelter at the age of 11, an experience that left a lasting impact on him.
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William expressed a strong desire to take action, stating: “I feel compelled to act because I don’t want to just talk about it.”
He added: “The ultimate ambition is to prove that we can prevent homelessness in these regions so then others will come along and go ‘well if they can do it, why can’t we?'”
Prince William has carefully considered how to incorporate this cause into his role as heir to the throne.
He explained: “I have slowly tried to work out what I can bring to the role of heir to the throne. What do I feel works? What do I feel people want to see from me?”
The Prince acknowledged drawing inspiration from his mother’s work, saying: “I have taken some inspiration and guidance from what my mother did, particularly with homelessness. And that’s grown more over the last few years.”
Prince William’s first visit to a homeless shelter occurred in December 1993, when Princess Diana took him and Prince Harry to The Passage, a charity supporting newly homeless individuals.
He said: “She took Harry and I both there. I must have been about 11, I think probably… Maybe 10. I’d never been to anything like that before.
The heir to the throne mentioned his brother Prince Harry during the documentary in what appeared to be an olive branch amid their feud.
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“I remember at the time kind-of thinking, well if everyone has not got a home, they’re all going to be really sad. But it was incredible how happy an environment it was.”
These comments marked a rare mention of Harry from the heir to the throne as the brothers are currently not on speaking terms.
Prince William is committed to continuing his mother’s legacy by discussing homelessness with his own children.
He explained: “When I was very small my mother started talking about homelessness, much like I do now with my children on the school run.”