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William meets youngsters at homeless shelter
Last updated at 17:22pm on 20.12.06
Prince William met homeless youngsters today on a private visit to a Centrepoint hostel.
The 24-year-old chatted to teenagers as he dropped in on a shelter to help with breakfast early this morning.
Gallery: Prince William visits Centrepoint homeless hostel
During the low-key visit in Soho, central London, William met some of those who would have been spending Christmas on the streets had it not been for the charity's support.
The Prince spoke to 18-year-old Ali Iyiguven, who is being helped through Centrepoint's Safe Stop campaign, which offers nine days of emergency accommodation to youngsters in danger of sleeping rough.
Diana, Princess of Wales, used to take William and his brother, Prince Harry, on secret visits to the charity's shelters when they were children.
She felt it was important for them to see the problems encountered by the homeless.
A Clarence House spokesman said: "William's aware that Christmas is an important time for the charity and wanted to highlight the work Centrepoint does.
"He wanted to thank staff and offer whatever support he could."
William was briefed on Centrepoint's Countdown To Christmas appeal which is trying to raise more than £250,000 to help youngsters over the crucial festive period and beyond.
The Prince, who graduated from Sandhurst last week in front of girlfriend Kate Middleton, is patron of Centrepoint - a role which Diana held up until her death in 1997.
Reader views (2)
His mother would be so proud of the man he has become. He is a great role model for young people all over the world. It's too bad that most of rich and young aren't as responsible as he is instead they drink too much, party too much and they don't wear underwear. At least most of the young people that I know and encounter are more responsible and care about the world issues, the environment and others. The Queen should be proud of him.
- Kay, Albuquerque
He is doing a great job just like his mother would have done.
How many national and local politicians have done likewise?
- Peter Robinson, Kettering
