Royal news - live: Prince William’s awkward interaction with homelessness campaigner in moving documentary
The first part of the Prince of Wales’ documentary about ending homelessness launched last night
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Your support makes all the difference.Prince William faced an uncomfortable moment during the premiere of his documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which aired its first part last night.
In the film, the Prince of Wales, 42, was confronted by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, who challenged him to address the “failed thinking” surrounding homelessness.
Lord Bird bluntly stated he wanted no “b******t” in their discussions, urging the prince to spearhead a new approach through his Homewards programme - an ambitious initiative aiming to end homelessness within five years.
He criticised the fragmented efforts of local authorities, charities, and government departments over the past three decades.
William responded with an invitation for open dialogue, adding: “I’m conscious that it’s a team environment, please do feel free to pile in when you need to.”
The Prince’s goal of ending homelessness has been inspired by his childhood experiences visiting shelters with his late mother, Princess Diana.
On the ITV series, he shared an anecdote about visiting a homeless charity with his mother, Diana, and brother, Harry. The second part of the documentary will air tonight.
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‘It’s important to change the narrative around homelessness’, says William
In the ITV documentary We Can End Homelessness, Prince William said it is vital to change attitudes towards homelessness.
“I think it’s really important that we can try and change and tackle the narrative around homelessness,” he said. “People live with it, we see it every day in our lives, that’s something I want to challenge.”
One of the clips shows the prince looking through photos of a visit to a homeless charity when he was a child, with his mother, Princess Diana.
“That’s when it dawned on me that there are other people out there who don’t have the same life as you do. When you’re quite small, you just think life is what you see in front of you, and you don’t really have the concept to look elsewhere,” he said.
“It’s when you meet people, like I did then, who put a different perspective in your head and say like, ‘well, I was on the street last night’, and you’re like, ‘whoa’,” he added.
The Waleses to celebrate Halloween together
Tonight, Princess Kate and Prince William are set for a special family evening with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as they enjoy their half-term break from school.
The young royals are expected to go trick-or-treating once again.
The couple has previously shared in this festive tradition, with neighbour Jay Rutland recalling a friendly Halloween visit from Kate and the kids last year.
Prince William faces uncomfortable moment in homelessness documentary
Prince William has faced an uncomfortable moment during the premiere of his documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which aired its first part last tonight.
In the film, the Prince of Wales, 42, was confronted by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, who challenged him to address the “failed thinking” surrounding homelessness.
Lord Bird bluntly stated he wanted no “b******t” in their discussions, urging the prince to spearhead a new approach through his Homewards programme - an ambitious initiative aiming to end homelessness within five years.
“We need the expertise of everybody,” Lord Bird said during their meeting in episode one.
He criticised the fragmented efforts of local authorities, charities, and government departments over the past three decades.
William responded with an invitation for open dialogue, adding: “I’m conscious that it’s a team environment... please do feel free to pile in when you need to.”
To which Lord Bird replied: “I hope you mean that,” before jokingly adding: “Sorry, I’m jumping in.”
The Prince’s goal of ending homelessness has been inspired by his childhood experiences visiting shelters with his late mother, Princess Diana.
ICYMI: King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson is engaged
Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, affectionately dubbed the ‘hot equerry’, has announced his engagement to Olivia Lewis, his girlfriend of 18 months.
The announcement, first reported in The Times, has sent ripples through royal circles, as admirers of the dashing equerry come to terms with his impending nuptials.
The engagement announcement read: “The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London.”
You can read the full story below:
King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson announces his engagement
King Charles and Queen Camilla could be among the attendees at the wedding of the ‘hot equerry’
Tom Parker Bowles reveals reason he skips Christmas at Sandringham
Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, has opened up about the reason he does not spend Christmas at the Sandringham estate.
He revealed "various reasons" for not joining the royal festivities.
While the Royal Family has a longstanding tradition of gathering in Norfolk, the Queen's son noted: "We are not the Royal Family."
In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Tom said: "We're married in... I’ve never for one second said that." He expressed his appreciation for the Royal Family’s warmth but highlighted his own commitments: "I have my own job and the children have school."
Despite not spending Christmas at Sandringham, Tom, along with his children - Lola, 17, and Freddy, 14 - celebrates with Queen Camilla and his father, Andrew Parker Bowles, a few days later.
WATCH: Prince William hits back at critics over homelessness project
Prince William hits back at critics over homelessness project
The Prince of Wales has hit back at critics over his homelessness project. William responded to those questioning whether he is the right person to tackle the issue, given his privileged upbringing, in the first part of his new ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness. William said: “I think everyone having a right to a safe home benefits us all. “I come with no other agenda than desperately trying to help people who are in need and I see that as part of my role, why else would I be here if I am not using this role properly to influence and help people while I can.”
Meghan Markle to ‘give blessing’ for royal reunion
Meghan Markle may be open to letting Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie meet King Charles, but only if security concerns are addressed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have reportedly secured a new home in Portugal, have raised hopes for a closer relationship to the Royal Family without the pressure of UK visits.
Sources told Closer: “Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point.
“And in terms of logistics, having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.”
Prince Harry speaks at Nato about Invictus Games charity
Prince Harry has addressed the Nato military committee to speak about his charity Invictus.
Appearing via video link from his Montecito mansion, the Duke of Sussex told members about “the breadth and development of the Invictus programme and the progress it is making to expand the scope of its mission”.
While Harry did not attend the conference in New York, a team from the Invictus Games foundation was sent.
The meeting comes a year after the Duke’s 2023 Invictus Games Netflix documentary ‘Heart of Invictus’ aired - which focused on wounded soldiers.
According to Nato, the delegation said: “The core purpose of Invictus is to support the recovery and rehabilitation of Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS) Service Members through sport and adventure.
“The Invictus Games Foundation is working to continue establishing a global community where rehabilitation and recovery are better enabled and understood.”
Prince Harry urged to ‘eat humble pie’ to heal family rift
Prince Harry has received a three-word ultimatum to repair his strained relationship with the royal family, according to royal commentator Rupert Bell.
Mr Bell suggested that the Duke of Sussex must “eat humble pie” after his brother, Prince William, extended an olive branch in his upcoming ITV documentary about homelessness, set to air tonight.
During a discussion with royal podcast host Kinsey Schofield on her YouTube channel, the royal expert claimed that it would be “odd” if William did not mention Harry in the context of the documentary.
Critics are debating whether any reference to Prince Harry represents a gesture of reconciliation from William, especially given their tense relations since Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
Mr Bell said: “They looked after each other, and that’s what’s so sad about it.”
The £3,000-a-week luxury spa resort King Charles has visited
With 21 deluxe rooms, private gardens and open-air showers, the SOUKYA spa resort looks to be the perfect stop-off for King Charles on his way back from his tour in Australia and Samoa.
The health care centre, spread over 30 acres of scented orchards, is a renowned resort for celebrity clientele, with the likes of Dame Emma Thompson and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu having stayed there.
It’s been reported that King Charles and Queen Camilla have enjoyed morning yoga sessions along with rejuvenation treatments at the £3,000-a-week site.
The Palace issued a statement on Sunday revealing that King Charles will return to regular overseas trips next year as he adapts to living with cancer.
An update about the state of the King’s health or his treatment has not been given but the news that Charles will take on more overseas trips suggests his cancer is being managed successfully.
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