Prince William and his eldest son, Prince George, have volunteered at a London homeless shelter, reviving a family tradition initiated by the late Princess Diana over thirty years ago. Their visit to The Passage charity this week underscores the royal family’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness.
On Tuesday morning, the Prince of Wales and 12-year-old Prince George arrived at The Passage in central London to assist with preparations for the organization’s annual Christmas lunch. Images and videos released by Kensington Palace show the father-son duo donning aprons, hanging decorations, and helping to prepare food, with George actively engaging in conversations with staff and service users.
The visit holds deep personal significance for Prince William, who first came to The Passage as an 11-year-old with his mother, Princess Diana, and brother Prince Harry in December 1993. That initial exposure to homelessness profoundly shaped his worldview, leading him to describe it as a pivotal moment that fueled his lifelong advocacy. In a symbolic gesture, Prince George signed the charity’s visitor book on the same page previously signed by his father and grandmother, linking generations in a shared mission.
According to a spokesperson from Kensington Palace, it was important for William to share this experience with George, emphasizing the value of volunteering and understanding the challenges faced by those without homes. The pair “greatly enjoyed meeting staff, volunteers and service users,” the palace said, highlighting the dedication of organizations like The Passage that operate year-round to support vulnerable individuals.
The Passage, a British charity dedicated to ending homelessness, provides essential services including shelter, food, and support programs. During the visit, William and George helped assemble care packages and decorate a Christmas tree, contributing to the festive atmosphere for guests attending the lunch service. This hands-on involvement reflects the royal family’s hands-on approach to philanthropy, often seen in Diana’s legacy of direct engagement with charitable causes.
Prince William has consistently credited his mother’s influence for his commitment to social issues, particularly homelessness. Last year, he launched the “Homewards” program, which funds initiatives across the UK to combat homelessness, demonstrating how early experiences can translate into sustained action. The visit with George not only honors Diana’s memory but also aims to instill similar values in the next generation of royals.
The event has garnered widespread media attention, with outlets like CNN and Sky News reporting on the emotional resonance of the visit. Public reaction has been largely positive, with many praising the continuity of Diana’s humanitarian work. However, it also sparks discussions on the ongoing homelessness crisis in the UK and the role of public figures in raising awareness.
Looking ahead, this visit may signal more frequent involvement of Prince George in royal duties and charitable activities as he grows older. For Prince William, it reinforces his position as a modern monarch-in-waiting who blends tradition with contemporary social advocacy. The enduring impact of Princess Diana’s legacy continues to shape the royal family’s public engagements, ensuring that her compassionate spirit lives on through her descendants.
