The Prince of Wales was joined by a special helper for his annual festive visit to a leading homelessness charity in central London this weekend: his eldest son, Prince George.
A Tradition Spanning Generations
Prince William, 43, took his 12-year-old son to The Passage charity in Victoria, more than three decades after he first visited the same project with his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1993. The visit has become a Christmas tradition for William, who also volunteered there in 2023 and 2024. Footage and photos released by Kensington Palace showed the father-and-son duo actively participating in Christmas lunch preparations.
Donning aprons, they worked alongside staff and volunteers. William was seen pouring Brussels sprouts into an oven dish, while George carefully laid out Yorkshire puddings on a tray before they were cooked. In a video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales's official YouTube channel, the pair were also captured chatting warmly with guests, decorating a Christmas tree, and helping to lay tables for the festive meal.
"Another Pair of Helping Hands"
A post on the couple's official X account highlighted the significance of the moment, stating: "Proud to join volunteers and staff at The Passage in preparing Christmas lunch – this year with another pair of helping hands." The atmosphere appeared joyful, with William giving head chef Claudette Hawkins a friendly shoulder rub and George laughing as he helped prepare vegetables for the roast dinner.
The Prince of Wales is the royal patron of The Passage. Through his own Homewards project, he aims to help end homelessness in all its forms across the UK. Reflecting on the profound impact of his first childhood visit, William shared in an ITV documentary last year how it changed his perspective.
He recalled expecting a sad environment but finding "incredible" happiness instead. "I remember having some good conversations just playing chess and chatting," he said. "That's when it dawned on me that there are other people out there who don't have the same life as you do."
Continuing a Legacy of Compassion
This year's visit, with George now roughly the same age William was during his first visit, powerfully symbolises the passing of a compassionate legacy from one generation to the next. The event underscores the royal family's longstanding commitment to highlighting and tackling the issue of homelessness, particularly during the festive season.
The work at The Passage, which provides vital resources and support for people experiencing homelessness, continues to be a focal point for the Prince of Wales's charitable efforts, now shared with the future king.
