Prince William was the king of selfies as he arrived at a community centre in South London on Thursday. Delighting royal fans as he arrived at Mentivity House on the Aylesbury Estate in Southwark, the Prince of Wales, 42, cheerfully greeted members of the public who ran over when they spotted him to grab their photo opportunity.
The Prince’s appearance was the latest engagement that strongly focused on the importance of empowering young people and providing them with the community tools they need to thrive. Opening its doors in March 2024, Mentivity House provides a space for creativity, connection, and growth.
It offers workshops and youth clubs, as well as community initiatives such as food and hygiene banks.
William began his visit, which came one day after Prince Louis’ 7th birthday, by sitting down with the founders, Sayce Holmes-Lewis and Leon Wright.
They told him about how their upbringing on the Aylesbury Estate had inspired the organisation’s approach to supporting young people and creating opportunities.
While there, the prince also met entrepreneur Tim Campbell MBE – a former winner and current advisor on The Apprentice – who has recently become a Mentivity patron.
The discussion with local business leaders was driven by the value of apprenticeships, the barriers young people may face when trying to access opportunities and how Mentivity can help them create sustainable employment routes.
The Prince met with young people who benefit from Mentivity’s support programmes and listened as they shared how the youth club and workshops have impacted their lives. He then put on an animated display as he played computer games with some of the younger members who benefit from the organisation.
The visit marked Prince William’s return to royal duties following an Easter break with the Princess of Wales, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, seven.
In addition to attending football games with his eldest son to watch their beloved Aston Villa play, the Wales family enjoyed a private celebration on Easter Sunday at their Anmer Hall home in Norfolk, rather than join the rest of the Royal Family in Windsor.
William’s trip to Mentivity comes as he prepares to travel to Rome on Saturday to attend Pope Francis’ funeral and represent King Charles.
