Prince William has made history by becoming the first British royal to appear on the cover of a gay magazine. HRH made his debut in the new issue of Attitude magazine, just days after the tragic shooting in Orlando.
William, 33, invited Attitude magazine and members of the LGBT+ community to Kensington Palace on 12 May to discuss their experiences of bullying and find out the subsequent effect it can have on a person's mental health.
Prince William became the first British royal to cover a gay magazine
HRH was later photographed by Leigh Kelly for the cover, and opened about his time with the LGBT+ individuals. Speaking to the magazine, he insisted: "No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives.
"The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now."
He met with LGBT+ individuals to discuss their experiences of bullying
William added: "What I would say to any young person reading this who's being bullied for their sexuality: don't put up with it – speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need. You should be proud of the person you are and have nothing to be ashamed of."
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said that William, Kate and Prince Harry are "leading the Heads Together campaign on mental health and well-being".
In the early hours of Sunday morning on 12 May, 49 people were killed and more than 50 were left injured after a shooting a gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando. American authorities are calling it the worst terror attack since 9/11.