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The Prince of Wales recently took his 12-year-old son, Prince George, to volunteer at a homeless shelter in Westminster, aiming to educate him about the realities of homelessness and the work done by charities addressing this issue. This particular visit held special significance as it was to the Passage, a charity with which Prince William has a long-standing connection. William himself was introduced to the Passage at a young age by his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
During their time at the Passage, Prince George actively participated by helping prepare lunch for those the charity supports. In a meaningful moment, he signed the visitors’ book on the same page where both William and Diana had signed back in December 1993. This act symbolized a continuation of the family’s commitment to the cause across generations. The Passage assists homeless individuals in central London and strives to offer support and hope in difficult circumstances.
Mick Clarke, the chief executive of the Passage, shared that Prince George arrived while the charity was preparing a Christmas meal for 150 people. Clarke recounted, “So it was really about, ‘Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?’ And he very much was.” Clarke also noted that George showed a hands-on attitude similar to his father’s. “Very much like his dad, actually – just wanted to get stuck in and help,” he said. The pair worked together in the kitchen, with William managing the sprouts and George preparing Yorkshire puddings. Clarke reflected on the significance of the visit and the signing of the book: “I think particularly with Prince William pointing out to George, ‘This is my mum’s signature. This was the first time that she brought me here.’ It kind of felt full circle, really – 1993 through to 2025, with William bringing George.”
Prince William’s connection to the Passage goes back over three decades, having first visited the charity with Princess Diana when he was just 11 years old. William continues to support the organization and has launched his own homelessness campaign named Homewards. Recalling his initial experiences at the Passage, he described feeling anxious yet surprised by the warm environment. In an interview, he said, “My mother went about her usual part of making everyone feel relaxed, and having a laugh and joking with everyone.” He added, “I remember at the time, kind of thinking, well, if everyone’s not got a home, they’re all going to be really sad. But it was incredible how happy an environment it was.”
Established in 1980 and inspired by the social reformer St Vincent de Paul, the Passage has long worked to support vulnerable people in Westminster. Last year alone, the charity helped over 3,000 individuals facing homelessness. The Passage identifies poverty as a key driver behind homelessness, explaining that many people are “just one bill away from experiencing homelessness.” They also highlight several risk factors such as addiction, mental health issues, domestic violence, and traumatic family circumstances. Additionally, the charity emphasizes the links between homelessness and exploitation through human trafficking and modern slavery, underscoring the complex challenges faced by those it assists
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