'Look who popped in!': Prince William makes a private visit to Centrepoint homeless shelter


May 29, 2013

When it comes to his charity work, Prince William is far more than just a figurehead. Without fuss or publicity, the kind-hearted royal stopped by a Centrepoint hostel in London this week to see firsthand how the charity of which he is patron is helping those in need. The delighted organisation revealed details of the Prince's visit on its Facebook page, posting a picture of staff members with William with the caption, "Look who popped in!"

Amiable William made a big impression during his visit, rolling up his sleeves to play table tennis, and sampling some homemade smoothies and flapjacks made by residents who are being taught to make nutritious food in a budget.

Casually dressed in jeans, trainers and a jumper, the father-to-be listened attentively as he spent time with young people at the hostel. They included two representatives from the Centrepoint Parliament, a group of residents from across the charity's hostels who campaign on key issues for young people, including housing.

"Melissa and Noor gave Prince William a grilling," the charity wrote beside one picture, adding, "They didn't let him off lightly!" next to another. The Prince was revealed to have told the duo that "the work they did with our Centrepoint Parliament was very important and would affect and impact other young people in the future. "During his time at the hostel, William also caught up with his good friend CEO Seri Obakin — the pair made headlines back in 2009 when they both slept rough on the streets of London to highlight the good work done by the charity. To commemorate his visit, the Prince was given a gift to take back home with him to show his pregnant wife, Kate Middleton. The hostel presented him with a picture taken during his visit there in 2011 when fun-loving William famously took part in a 'swag dance'.

Prince William laughed when he saw the souvenir print of his dancing (above). Centrepoint photos: Harriet Armstrong

William has been patron of Centrepoint, the leading charity for homeless young people aged 16-25, since 2005 — a role previously held by his mother, Princess Diana

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