'Authentic' Wills carries torch lit by caring Diana

PRINCE William has shown a genuine dedication to help the homeless and those in need can see he is "authentic", says a charity boss.

- Catherine Pepinster

The Prince of Wales has been working to raise awareness of homelessness for many years.

And just like his mum, Diana, Princess of Wales, he has earned the trust of those he is trying to help, reveals Mick Clarke, CEO of The Passage.

"He is not some Johnny-come-lately. He has been involved with us for years, talking to people here, helping as a volunteer, and he gets it," said Mr Clarke.

"Our clients who are homeless can suss who is authentic - and they see that he is."

Prince William, who first began visiting as a youngster, is now patron of The Passage.

He is said to have stated his mission to help the homeless during a heart-to-heart with his mother as a child. He reportedly told her: "If I become King, I will let the homeless live in our palaces."

He was particularly busy volunteering in lockdown when the charity's kitchen was providing meals to homeless people being housed in London hotels.

"He was out delivering meals, but was masked up so people didn't always realise it was him," said Mr Clarke. "It was that seismic event, when so many different organisations worked together, that really convinced the Prince more could be done through collaboration."