Prince William followed in his mother’s footsteps this week, taking his 12‑year‑old son, Prince George, to volunteer at The Passage homeless charity.
This visit, which took place on 16th December, marked the young Prince’s first known engagement supporting a homelessness charity.
The two future Kings helped make a Christmas lunch for 150 people being supported by the organisation. The Prince of Wales worked on the sprouts while Prince George helped with the Yorkshire puddings, but there was some friendly competition between father and son in the kitchen: the pair both took icing cupcakes very seriously!
Both Princes additionally helped pack care packages, and decorated a Christmas tree that had previously been in Westminster Abbey for The Princess of Wales’ Together at Christmas carol service.
During the visit, George and William met Sarah and Brian, who first used the charity many years ago and are now off the streets and in their own accommodation. The couple are engaged to be married and plan to hold their reception at the charity HQ.
Mick Clark, chief executive of The Passage, described the meeting as ‘genuinely very moving’, noting that Sarah beautifully explained, ‘Christmas time is a time for family. We don’t have any family, so The Passage is our family.’
Mr Clark praised the young Prince’s involvement, noting George was ‘very much like his dad, actually – just wanted to get stuck in and help. A lovely kid is how I would describe him… and he just really seemed very interested in the work we do and particularly in talking to people who have used our services.’
The visit held a deep personal meaning for William. Founded in 1980 and guided by the ethos of St Vincent de Paul, The Passage is where Diana, Princess of Wales, first brought William when he was a child.
In a ‘full circle’ moment, George signed the visitors’ book on the same page signed by both his father and late grandmother during their visit in December 1993. Mr Clark recalled it as a ‘beautiful moment’, with William pointing out to George, ‘this is my mum’s signature. This was the first time that she brought me here.’
Christmas at The Passage, 32 years apart 🎄
December 2025: Prince William, Prince George and Head Chef Claudette.
December 1993: Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince William and Passage Chefs. pic.twitter.com/PqECUFi1rJ
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 20, 2025
William has been a supporter of the charity since he was 11 years old and now runs his own campaign to tackle homelessness through the Homewards programme, for which he described The Passage as an inspiration.
He recently remembered being anxious about his first visit with Diana: ‘My mother went about her usual part of making everyone feel relaxed and having a laugh and joking with everyone,’ he said in an interview last year.
‘I remember at the time, kind of thinking, well, if everyone’s not got a home, they’re all going to be really sad. But it was incredible how happy an environment it was.’
The Passage, which supported more than 3,000 people last year, continues to warn that many are ‘just one bill away’ from homelessness, highlighting risk factors including poverty, addiction, mental health challenges, and domestic violence.
The charity also highlights the links between homelessness and exploitation in human trafficking and modern slavery.
Reflecting on the day, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said: ‘It was important to The Prince of Wales to share with Prince George the work of The Passage and to spend time volunteering alongside the team.
‘They both greatly enjoyed meeting the staff, volunteers and service users as well as learning more about the charity’s work. The dedication shown not only by The Passage but by other organisations across the homelessness sector, at Christmas and throughout the year is invaluable.’
As a special touch, the crackers on the table were in Aston Villa branding – the football team that both Princes support.
