Diana, Princess of Wales, once took Princes William and Harry to a homeless shelter when they were children, and William once told a media outlet that it left a “lasting impression.” Now, it is reported that the Prince of Wales is ready to replicate those memorable visits with his own children and Lady Di’s grandchildren: Princes George and Louis, as well as Princess Charlotte.

The Prince of Wales spoke about his experience: “I met so many extraordinary people and heard so many heartbreaking personal stories. Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home.”

The future king commented on his experience: “I met so many extraordinary people and heard so many heartbreaking personal stories. Too many people have found themselves without a stable and permanent place to call home.”

 

 

During her time as Princess of Wales and afterward, Diana took on many charitable sponsorships that other royal family members steered clear of, such as the issue of homelessness. Many courtiers believed that the unfortunate situation affecting thousands of Britons could be potentially political, with a lowercase “p.” But the princess broke with tradition and allowed her compassion to guide her path, once taking her two children to visit people sleeping in a shelter.

Years after her tragic death, William would continue to address this issue, once spending a night on the streets of South London with displaced youth in 2009. In 2022, the British heir was seen selling copies of the Big Issue magazine on the streets, the proceeds of which go to helping those in need of housing.

Now, the Duke of Cornwall will use land from his vast Duchy of Cornwall estate to establish housing sites for homeless Britons across the country in his initiative called Homewards. Implemented by the Royal Foundation, it is an ambitious project that the prince hopes to complete within five years.

 

As previously reported by The Royal Observer, the future king plans to involve his wife, Kate, Princess of Wales, and their three children in this vast endeavor as well. In 2023, he told a publication: “I think when I can balance it with their education, they will definitely be exposed to it. During the school run, we talk about what we see.”

William was once believed to “use royal properties” to house homeless citizens when he became king, but his plan to utilize the Duchy of Cornwall came much earlier. The initiative echoes the Prince’s Trust established by his father, King Charles III, in 1976. That organization has helped numerous disadvantaged young people find fulfilling careers over the decades.

With his father’s work and his mother’s enduring passion for helping others as inspiration, the Prince of Wales is ready to launch one of the most profound charitable initiatives in a long time.