How Princess Diana Inspired Prince William's 40th Birthday Initiative
etonline.comPrince William, who turns 40 on Tuesday, June 21, was inspired by his mother, Princess Diana, for his birthday initiative.In lead-up to his big day, the royal sold magazines, a publication put out by marginalized people who are working to overcome homelessness.
William not only appears in this week’s issue of the magazine, but he also took to the streets with vendor Dave Martin to sell 32 copies of the publication.He then paid a visit to The Passage, a charity that provides services to prevent and end homelessness, and a place that is important to William.
It was his visit to The Passage with his mother and his brother, Prince Harry, almost 30 years ago that sparked his passion for helping those who are unhoused.«I was 11 when I first visited a homeless shelter with my mother, who in her own inimitable style was determined to shine a light on an overlooked, misunderstood problem,» the father of three wrote in a personal essay featured in magazine. “In the 30-odd years since, I’ve seen countless projects in this space grow from strength to strength, including charities of which I have had the honor of being Patron.
New initiatives have been launched up and down the country – some have worked, some have not. But, perhaps now the most immediately recognizable of these organizations, has undeniably had an impact.” William says that after spending time speaking with vendors who sell, he wanted to offer up his time.“I wanted to experience the other side and see what it was like to be a vendor,” he shares. “My time was truly eye opening.
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