Late Princess Inspired William’s Dedication to Tackling Homelessness
Prince William has credited his late mother, Princess Diana, with shaping his deep commitment to addressing homelessness—a cause that has become central to his royal work.
In the documentary Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, the Prince of Wales reflected on formative experiences with Diana, who introduced him to the realities of homelessness during his childhood. One pivotal moment came when Diana brought 11-year-old William and his brother, Harry, to The Passage, a UK charity dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness.
"My mother had this incredible way of making everyone feel at ease, laughing and joking," William shared. "At the time, I thought, ‘If people don’t have homes, they must be really sad.’ But I was struck by how happy and positive the environment was."
William recalled the lessons he learned from that experience: “I remember having good conversations, playing chess, and chatting with people. That’s when it hit me—there are so many lives vastly different from mine. Meeting people who told me, ‘I was living on the street last night,’ opened my eyes in a way I’ll never forget.”
Diana’s compassionate legacy continues to influence William’s approach as a father. He has started discussing homelessness with his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—during everyday moments like school runs.
"The first few times, I hesitated, but eventually, the kids noticed," William explained. "When I explained what was going on, I could see their young minds trying to process it. It’s important to start these conversations early, so they grow up with a broader understanding of the world."
For William, addressing homelessness is more than a royal responsibility—it’s a personal mission to carry forward Diana’s values. By continuing her work and sharing these lessons with his children, he ensures her compassionate spirit remains a guiding force for future generations.
At just 15 years old, William faced the devastating loss of Diana, who passed away at age 36 in a tragic car accident in Paris. Decades later, her influence remains a cornerstone of his life and work.
