On September 19, Prince William made a significant trip to Scotland, focusing on his ongoing commitment to tackling homelessness.
The Prince of Wales, aged 42, visited Aberdeen to engage with local advocates and organizations dedicated to this pressing issue, particularly those aligned with the Homewards Aberdeen Coalition.
This visit served as an opportunity for him to express gratitude to those who tirelessly support individuals facing homelessness.
Homelessness has become a cornerstone of Prince William’s royal duties, a cause deeply influenced by the legacy of his late mother, Princess Diana.
His spokesperson highlighted how her compassion for the homeless has inspired the Homewards initiative, which seeks to address homelessness in various cities, including Aberdeen, one of its key locations.
William’s visit comes at a poignant moment, just after his wife, Kate Middleton, shared her emotional journey regarding her recent battle with cancer.
In a heartfelt video released earlier, she revealed that she had successfully completed chemotherapy treatment, a significant milestone after a year spent largely out of the public eye focusing on her health.
The day before William’s visit, Kate returned to official duties for the first time since finishing her treatment.
She hosted a meeting regarding her early childhood development project at Windsor Castle, marking a notable entry in the Court Circular— the official record of engagements for working royals—for 2024.
During his time in Aberdeen, Prince William began his itinerary at Shelter Scotland’s local office.
Here, he learned about the charity’s mission to safeguard the right to a secure home, particularly amid the current housing crisis.
The organization is a vital part of the Homewards Aberdeen Coalition, providing essential support and educational programs aimed at young people to help them navigate their financial futures and housing opportunities.
In addition to touring the shelter, the prince interacted with both staff members and individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by the organization’s resources.
His next engagement involved a special event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen in partnership with Homeless Network Scotland, where he acknowledged the dedication of local professionals committed to aiding those in need.
The event featured guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences, allowing attendees to network and exchange ideas.
During his address, Prince William reaffirmed his commitment to ending homelessness, emphasizing the collaborative efforts necessary to achieve this ambitious goal.
“When I launched Homewards last year, I made clear our determination to work together to show that it is possible to eradicate homelessness,” he stated, highlighting the collective expertise present at the gathering.
He acknowledged the complexities surrounding homelessness and praised the diverse roles of those in attendance—from outreach workers to mental health professionals—who provide unwavering care and support to vulnerable populations.
Prince William’s Homewards initiative debuted in June 2023 through The Royal Foundation, aiming to create sustainable solutions to homelessness across six key locations in the UK, with Aberdeen being the only Scottish representative.
He expressed confidence that with unified efforts, homelessness can be made “rare, brief, and unrepeated.”
This initiative is not just a short-term project for William; he envisions a lifelong commitment to alleviating homelessness, rooted in personal experiences.
His first exposure to the issue came at age 11 when he and his brother, Prince Harry, were taken by their mother to visit The Passage shelter in London.
Since then, he has continued to champion causes related to homelessness, including his role as a patron of Centrepoint.
Ahead of his visit, Kensington Palace announced a new collaboration between Homewards and Blue Light Card, which will now include professionals working within the homelessness sector.
This initiative recognizes the hard work of approximately 60,000 individuals in the UK who dedicate their careers to preventing homelessness, offering them discounts and support to enhance their wellbeing.
Alidad Moghaddam, CEO of Blue Light Card, emphasized the importance of acknowledging these unsung heroes in the homelessness workforce.
By extending benefits to them, the organization aims to alleviate some financial burdens and recognize their invaluable contributions to society.
Research conducted by St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, shared by Kensington Palace, revealed that many individuals in the homelessness sector struggle financially and often feel overwhelmed.
Through their partnership with Homewards, Blue Light Card aims to provide practical support, ranging from discounts on everyday expenses to wellness initiatives, ensuring that those who advocate for the homeless receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.
