Prince William has spoken about his role in a forthcoming ITV documentary, which aims to reduce homelessness through his project Homewards.
The Prince of Wales launched the five-year initiative in July 2023 and will look to reduce homelessness in six areas around the UK. However, the future monarch has faced criticism about whether he is the right person for the role.
During one clip in the documentary, he responded to questions about his privilege and ending homelessness, as the Prince of Wales has several homes and more than £20m from the Duchy of Cornwall.
“Why else would I be here? If I’m not using this role properly to influence and help people where I can?” he said. “It’s a big challenge. And I like a big challenge, I do like that, but I can’t do it on my own.”
William’s commitment to shine a light on the cause can be traced back to his early childhood. From a young age, Princess Diana exposed her two sons to discreet visits to homeless shelters, particularly The Passage in London.
Speaking exclusively about working with the Prince of Wales to Express Online, Chief Executive of The Passage Mick Clarke said: “We see him as the real person. So when he comes, he’s very relaxed, very chilled.
“I kind of get a feeling there’s a bit of a family relationship there, given the history back to to when he was 11. He’s also very authentic.
“I think the thing that people who have lived with homelessness are very good at sussing almost instantly whether someone’s straightforward, whether they’re authentic or not, and he just feels very comfortable.
“But it feels like he’s he’s coming home and he’s incredibly passionate about it.”
The series will focus on six key locations: Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Lambeth, Newport, Northern Ireland, and Sheffield.
Prince William has been the official patron of The Passage since 2019 and lauched the initiative alongside The Royal Foundation in June 2023.
