Prince William Steps Out in a Tux (and Facial Hair!) to Support Cause Princess Diana Introduced Him to as a Young Boy

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives at The Centrepoint Awards at The British Museum on Oct. 16, 2024 in London, England.Photo:Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives at The Centrepoint Awards at The British Museum on October 16, 2024 in London, England.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince William’s work surrounding homelessness continues with a special appearance at an awards ceremony connected to a cause he’s long supported.

The Prince of Wales, 42, attended the Centrepoint Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 16, celebrating the achievements of young people who have transformed their lives after experiencing homelessness. Winners and finalists alike have made significant strides in their careers, personal development and contributions to society, and the awards ceremony illuminates these individuals’ “courage, resilience, strength and determination,” according to Prince William’s office at Kensington Palace.

The royal delivered a speech at the event, as well as spent time meeting this year’s finalists — all of whom have been recognized for their leadership, academic accomplishments and dedication to their respective communities.

Prince William, Prince of Wales attends The Centrepoint Awards 2024 at The British Museum on October 16, 2024 in London, England.

“Each of the finalists have overcome huge challenges and gone on to accomplish incredible things, demonstrating how much young people can achieve with the right support,” a statement from Kensington Palace said.

In addition to his speech, Prince William presented awards to winners in six categories.

Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives at The Centrepoint Awards at The British Museum on Oct. 16, 2024 in London, England.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince William, Prince of Wales arrives at The Centrepoint Awards at The British Museum on October 16, 2024 in London, England.

“While homelessness is, of course, a complex societal issue, I passionately believe that it can, and should, be ended. Achieving this will require a movement that creates systemic change. A change that focuses on prevention rather than management. And one that ensures all young people have truly affordable options to live and thrive independently,” he added.

Prince William, Prince of Wales, talks with donors next to Seyi Obakin, Chief Executive of Centrepoint at the Centrepoint Awards at The British Museum on Oct. 16, 2024 in London, England.Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty

Prince William, Prince of Wales, talks with donors next to Seyi Obakin, Chief Executive of Centrepoint at the Centrepoint Awards at The British Museum on October 16, 2024 in London, England.

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty

Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum in London on Oct. 16, 2024.HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales attends the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum in London on October 16, 2024

HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William, Prince of Wales delivers a speech during the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum in London on Oct. 16, 2024.HOLLIE ADAMS/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales delivers a speech during the Centrepoint Awards at the British Museum in London on October 16, 202

In 2009, William even famouslyslept on the streets of Londonone night to benefit the charity, which started in the basement of St. Anne’s Church in London in 1969 and has grown to become the U.K.’s leading youth homelessness charity. In 2022, as he marked his milestone 40th birthday, Williamtook part in an interviewforThe Big Issue, which supports homeless people — and evensold copies of the magazineon the streets of London.

In his opinion pieceforThe Big Issue, William said, “I refuse to believe that homelessness is an irrevocable fact of life. It is an issue that can be solved, but that requires a continued focus and comprehensive support network.”

Prince William and his mother, Princess Diana, at Wimbledon on July 6, 1991 in London.Manuela DUPONT/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

Lady Diana et le Prince William lors de la finale dames du tournoi de tennis de Wimbledon

Manuela DUPONT/Gamma-Rapho via Getty

In June 2023, William launched hisHomewardscampaign as part of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation with the goal of ending homelessness for good. A statement from Kensington Palace emphasized that a central objective of Homewards is “to change the narrative and challenge negative perceptions and stereotypes around homelessness,” and aims to do this workthrough a five-year plan.

“In a modern and progressive society, everyone should have a safe and secure home, be treated with dignity and given the support they need," Prince William said in a statement. “Through Homewards, I want to make this a reality and over the next five years, give people across the UK hope that homelessness can be prevented when we collaborate.”

Prince William, Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, speaks during an event hosted by Homewards Aberdeen

Russell Cheyne - WPA Pool/Getty

At the time of its launch, Prince William’s spokesperson said, “This is something that means so much to him, and it meant so much to his mother. That first visit to The Passage has really inspired this work.”

“He has been across every detail of this project," the spokesperson added. “It was the prince who asked the Foundation to go away and look at how they could make a real impact on this issue, and he will be involved in every location. For him, it is up there as one of his most important projects. This is not for today or tomorrow. He is committed to transforming the way that we as a nation think about homelessness.”

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He concluded, “I don’t believe we should be living with homelessness in the 21st century.”

source: people.com