Prince William feels deep "frustration" that homelessness still exists in the UK.
The 35-year-old royal has been a patron of the charity Centrepoint, which provides accommodation and support to homeless people aged 16 to 25, since 2005 and gave a moving speech at the organisation’s annual awards where he spoke of the bravery of the young persons who benefit from the team’s help.
Speaking at Kensington Palace on Thursday (08.02.18) at the ceremony, William said: "The courage these young people have shown in spite of the most difficult of circumstances is an example to us all. What they have achieved – jobs, university, independence – is a testament not only to their strength of character but also to the dedication of Centrepoint’s team."
The Duke of Cambridge – who has two-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte and four-year-old son Prince George with his wife Duchess Catherine, who is expecting their third child – is proud of the work Centrepoint has done over the past five decades, but said he is disappointed that in this day and age, a "prosperous" country still sees thousands of teenagers and young adults forced onto the streets without a permanent dwelling.
He concluded: "However, for me, tonight is one of sharply contrasting emotions. Soon Centrepoint will be 50 years old. I feel immense pride in all Centrepoint has accomplished in that time, but with it, disappointment and frustration – frustration that in one of the most prosperous countries in the world homelessness is still putting the lives and futures of our young people at risk."
Hours earlier, William attended Burlington Danes Academy in West London, with rapper Professor Green, to talk about mental health and cyberbullying.
There, William spoke of how concerned he is for young girls who believe airbrushed photographs on social media is how they should aim to look.
The prince was speaking with two 15-year-old girls, Samara Hackett-Valton and Sophie Crowder, about his fears about social media.
He told them: "I worry for you girls.
"The touched-up pictures are not real. Don’t try to recreate them or think that’s what you’ve got to aim for. There’s a lot of fakeness online so don’t worry about that."
Prince William gives speech on homelessness
