Royals

Prince William starts 2017 by honouring mum Princess Diana

Prince William has made a poignant move for his very first royal engagement of 2017, and his mum was front and centre in his mind!
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The Duke of Cambridge has kicked off his year with a very special visit to one of the hostels run by UK charity Centrepoint.

The father-of-two dropped by the Northolt hostel where he chatted with the staff, mentors and the people who live there.

The organisation, which focuses on ending youth homelessness in the UK, famously received Princess Diana’s support prior to her passing in 1997.

Wills was in high spirits as he mingled with the kids, who were between the ages of 16-25.

In fact, everyone got to see the playful side of the Prince, who participated in a game of “Guess Who”.

The 34-year-old was in a fit of chuckles as he tried to figure out who he had been given.

Prince William kicked off his royal duties with the youth charity.

The proud dad was pretty pleased with himself.

“Am I famous?” William asked as he channeled his best Sherlock to uncover the name written on the blue Post-It on his forehead.

“Am I a footballer?,” he queried, before guessing correctly that he was indeed David Beckham, which he celebrated with a very proud, “Ah! Boom! I’m glad I got that one.”

Playing with Sherihann Sharif, the 22-year-old student revealed Prince George’s dad “was quite funny.”

The game is one of the techniques Centrepoint uses as part of their Workwise sessions – which helps people prepare for new job interviews.

“Interviews are always daunting,” William admitted during the engagement.

He also showed that he was “in with the kids” discussing music with one of the volunteer mentors, “It’s all about grime now right? I’m learning all about grime!”

WATCH: Diana talks about the importance of Centrepoint in the video below!

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William first became a patron of the charity back in 2005.

At the time, he spoke of the importance of continuing his mum’s work.

“I’ve always just felt they [homeless people] are overlooked and they need help, basically. I have done a bit privately and publicly over the last few years and that is one particular area I am passionate about,” he said.

“My mother introduced that sort of area to me a long time ago. It was a real eye-opener and I am very glad she did. It has been something I have held close to me for a long time.”

In the winter of 2009, during his work with the youth organisation, the second-in-line-to-the-throne slept on the streets of London, to experience what the youths who need the charity go through.

The charity’s chief executive, Seyi Obakin, shared how much William actually contributes, revealing he often pays private visits to the charity’s hostels that go unreported.

“He does things privately that he doesn’t want press about,” Seyi said.

“He just wants to meet young people and talk to them, find out what is happening for them, find out what he can do to help. And he does that quietly.”

After becoming a patron in 2005, the Prince mused, “I have always been deeply concerned for those people, especially young people who, for whatever reason, find themselves living on the streets or without a proper home.”

It is evident that Prince William takes his work with Centrepoint very seriously.

Holding a precious place in his heart, it was the first patronage he took over from his mother following her passing, having been inspired by her work with them.

As a child, Wills used to visit Centrepoint hostels across the UK with Princess Diana, who wanted her children see what life was like outside the palace.

This year will mark the 20th anniversary since Princess Diana’s passing. While she was the first royal to champion the efforts of Centrepoint, her kids proudly continue to carry that torch on her behalf.

Next month the Duke of Cambridge will launch the charity’s first national helpline, dedicated to helping youths who urgently need help and advice.

Wills even got his wife, Kate, involved with the charity… See how else Princess Diana’s darling boys have kept her legacy alive in the gallery below!

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