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Prince William drew comparisons to his late mother, Princess Diana, during a tearjerking exchange with a former homeless drug addict who’d turned his life around after weighing just seven stone while on the streets.
The royal was filmed over nine months to produce the scenes in his new ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness. Viewers flocked to Twitter (X) to admit they were in floods of tears witnessing his compassion as he vowed to make a change.
Amid what was described as the UK’s “worst homelessness crisis in living memory”, with more than 350,000 people lacking a permanent home, the Prince unveiled his ambition to eradicate the problem in various cities “within five years”. He was sometimes met with scepticism, with one panellist sternly telling him: “I hope you mean it.”
However, one viewer reacted by praising: “Best thing about William: Doesn’t shy away from criticism. Understands the criticism against his privileged position, addresses it and carries on.” Another agreed, adding: “Prince William, trying to end homelessness. His mother would be proud. At least he’s trying to do something about it. #PrinceWilliam #Homelessness.”
“Right, I’m in tears watching this #PrinceWilliam #Homewards,” confessed a third. Someone else chimed in: “Beloved Prince William, the spirit of his adored Mother, what an absolute Legend Xxxxx.”
During the documentary, William could be seen grinning broadly while reminiscing over photos of himself aged ten with his late mother Princess Diana, as they visited a homelessness centre.
“When you’re quite small, you just think that life is what you see in front of you,” he explained, crediting her with raising his awareness of those in need.
“My mum made me grow up and see that the life outside the palace walls was not just a statement – it was a fact.”
Now, he takes his own children on walks to see and understand homelessness, and admits he derives “inspiration” and “guidance” from what he learnt in his early days with his mum.
During the documentary, the royal related to homelessness on an emotional level due to early life trauma he’d experienced himself losing his mum at such a young age.
“Why else would I be here if I’m not using my role properly to help people in need?” William asked.
He vowed to use his platform to make a change, setting up initiatives in six major UK locations – and he could be seen during the documentary helping to distribute food at a kitchen for those in need.
Viewers were in tears as they saw his visible emotion witnessing the transformation of one Cardiff man from an addict to a scarcely recognisable man, who now had his own home.
William vowed to help build more success stories, declaring: “I don’t think there should be homelessness in the 21st century.”
It was an emotional moment, with tears present on both sides.