Prince William is following in his late mother's footsteps (Image: Getty)

Prince William recalls heartbreaking realisation about his royal privilege when he was a child

by · Daily Record

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Prince William has shared an emotional reflection on a profound realisation he had as a child during a recent heartfelt documentary.

The future monarch, who has been the patron of the charity The Passage since 2019 which focuses on homelessness - a cause close to his heart and also supported by his late mother - recounted his early experience visiting the organisation with Princess Diana in 1993, the Mirror reports.

In the two-part documentary titled 'Prince William: We Can End Homelessness', he said: "My mother took me to The Passage; she took Harry and I both there. I must have been 11 at the time, maybe 10. I had never been to anything like that before, and I was a bit anxious about what to expect.

Prince William with Princess Diana and Prince Harry during a visit to The Passage (Image: PA)

"I remember having some good conversations, playing chess, chatting and that's when it dawned on me that there were other people out there who don't have the same life as you do. You know, when you're quite small, you just think life is what you see in front of you and you don't really have concept to look elsewhere."

He went on to add: "It's when you meet people, as I did then, who put a different perspective in your head and say, 'Well, I was living on the street last night,' and you're like, 'Woah.' I remember that happening."

William shared heartfelt memories of his mother's talent for making those around her feel comfortable. He reminisced: "My mother went about her usual, making everyone feel relaxed, having a laugh and joking with everyone.

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"I remember at the time kind of thinking, 'Well, if everyone doesn't have a home, they're all going to be really sad.' But it was incredible how happy an environment it was."

As part of his enduring patronage, William has made several trips to The Passage since that memorable day with Princess Diana. Established in 1980, the charity commits to providing essential support and comprehensive services that aim to transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

In a poignant gesture of solidarity with the homeless, William braved a night on the streets back in 2009. The issue of homelessness resonates deeply with him - a compassion instilled in him by his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

She taught William about life's privileges beyond palace walls which he is now imparting to his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

He said: "I am starting to introduce homelessness to my children on the school run. The first few times I thought, 'Do I bring this up or should I wait to see if anybody noticed? ' Sure enough they did and they were just sort-of silent.

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"After I said what was going on, I could see their brains try to work out what that means. I do think it's really important that we start those conversations when the children are small so they're not just living, you know, in their own little worlds."

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