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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
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.
Inside the no-frills health retreat Charles and Camilla can’t keep away from
Charles and Camilla broke up flight home from Samoa with India stopover
Prince William hits back at critics over homelessness project
Princess Diana biographer issues withering Meghan Markle verdict: ‘She’s flawless about getting it all wrong’
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 more about the King’s ‘hot equerry’ 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’
Charles and Camilla loved Bengaluru food so much they ‘plan to bring royal chefs for training'
King Charles and Queen Camilla are said to have expressed such fondness for the cuisine at their recent retreat in Bengaluru that they are considering bringing their royal chefs to India for training.
Dr. Isaac Mathai, who runs the renowned holistic destination, revealed that the royal couple is eager to learn how to replicate the delicious dishes they enjoyed during their stay.
Dr Mathai said: “They love the food to the extent that they are ready to bring down their royal chefs to India and train them – and have often expressed their wish to do so.”
“One time, she wanted us to pack the soup we make here and take it with her on her private jet, we of course agreed!”, he added during an interview at the lush, 30-acre institution, suggesting that she loves the leek soup made at the premises.
Dr Mathai also extended an open invitation for the royal couple to visit again, allowing for the pair to disconnect from the trials and tribulations of leading a life in public.
“Of course, we are very excited to see them again at Soukya. They are our least demanding guests and soak in every bit of our retreat... Be it the morning yoga, the sattvic food – which is strictly vegetarian – [or] the ayurveda treatments,” he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments