Prince William has brought his son, Prince George, into a decades-long tradition started by Princess Diana: volunteering at The Passage, the UK’s largest homeless resource center. The 12-year-old Prince recently joined his father in preparing and serving Christmas lunch to people experiencing homelessness, carrying on a legacy of royal engagement with social issues.
A Legacy of Compassion
The late Princess Diana first took Prince William and Prince Harry to The Passage in the early 1990s, exposing them to the realities of homelessness at a young age. Prince William has spoken about these visits, recalling how his mother made the atmosphere relaxed and joyful despite the challenging circumstances. The experience left a lasting impression, shaping his commitment to addressing homelessness.
“The visits I made as a child to this place left a deep and lasting impression upon me… about how important it is to ensure that everyone in our society… are treated with respect, dignity and kindness.” – Prince William
Now, Prince William is ensuring his own children understand the importance of this work. He brought Prince George to The Passage on December 16th, allowing him to participate directly in preparing meals for those in need. The moment was documented on Instagram, alongside a throwback photo of Diana and William at the same charity in 1993.
A Visual Reminder of Continuity
The social media posts highlighted the generational connection. One image showed a side-by-side comparison: Diana and William in 1993, followed by William and George in 2025, both volunteering at The Passage. Another featured the charity’s visitors book, with Diana and William’s signatures from 1993 alongside George’s signature from the recent visit.
This symbolic act reinforces the idea that addressing homelessness is not just a charitable duty, but a family value. The gesture has resonated with the public, who see it as a continuation of Diana’s compassionate legacy.
Raising Awareness and Responsibility
Prince William has also spoken about intentionally exposing his children to social inequalities, including homelessness. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing privilege and the need to support those less fortunate. By engaging them in direct service, he aims to instill a sense of responsibility and empathy from a young age.
This approach signals that the royal family intends to remain actively involved in social issues, using their platform to raise awareness and encourage action. The tradition of volunteering at The Passage is not just a sentimental gesture, but a deliberate effort to nurture a new generation of compassionate leaders.
The continuation of this tradition ensures that the royal family’s commitment to social responsibility remains visible and impactful, bridging generations through a shared dedication to helping those in need.
