Prince William shares passionate reason why wants to end homelessness
by Eleanor Dye · Mail OnlinePrince William says he has 'no other agenda' than to help people in his mission to end homelessness.
The Prince of Wales, 42, was speaking in a new preview clip for his upcoming ITV documentary Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which airs later this month.
Dressed in a casually buttoned blue shirt, William addressed the question of whether he is the 'right person' to deal with the issue in a candid moment from the new show.
He was asked: 'There will be some people who question whether you're the right person to lead this project and its efforts to end homelessness. How would you respond to that?'
The prince responded: 'I think everyone having the right to a safe and stable home benefits us all. I come with no other agenda than desperately trying to help people who are in need.
'And I see that as part of my role. Why else would I be here if not using this role properly to influence and help people where I can?
'And I like a big challenge! I do like that, but I can't do it on my own.'
The exclusive ITV documentary charts the first year of his campaign to end homelessness.
The future king has set his sights on making rough sleeping, sofa surfing and temporary accommodation a thing of the past in his ambitious five-year initiative programme called Homewards, founded by the prince and the Royal Foundation.
It will involve stories from those who are currently experiencing homelessness or have previously been homeless.
Well-known advocates of the programme and individuals leading projects across the UK will also feature.
In another preview clip previously released by ITV, William revealed he took 'inspiration' and 'guidance' from his mother Princess Diana in his work to end homelessness and was also seen giving out hugs while visiting a homeless charity.
The heir to the throne said: 'I've slowly tried to work out what I can bring to the role and platform that I have.
'I have taken some inspiration and guidance from what my mother did, particularly with homelessness.'
In the short clip, posted to Instagram, William is seen speaking to former English footballer Farah Williams, who was herself once homeless - and others working with Homewards.
'I don't believe we should be living with homelessness in the 21st century,' William added.
The Prince of Wales described it as a 'unique opportunity' to create lasting change, as he builds on the legacy of his late mother Princess Diana.
Director Leo Burley said: 'Over the past year we have spent time following Prince William and The Royal Foundation through the first year of the Homewards programme.
'We've heard some incredibly moving stories from people across the country facing homelessness.
'From street homelessness in Newport, to families living in temporary accommodation in Sheffield, and youth homelessness in Aberdeen, the documentary paints a picture of homelessness across the UK today, working with many people who never expected to experience life without a place to call home.
'Everyone we've filmed with has welcomed the spotlight that Prince William and Homewards are placing on the UK's homelessness crisis.'
Prince William has long been passionate about the issue of homelessness and is royal patron of charity The Passage, after visiting one of their shelters with his mother when he was 11.
In 2009 he spent a night sleeping rough to understand the plight of the homeless at Christmas and has joined a Big Issue seller at his pitch for the last two years in a row.
Homewards brings together a range of organisations to develop solutions in Newport, South Wales, three neighbouring Dorset towns, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch, the south London Borough of Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen and Sheffield.
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Jo Clinton-Davis, controller of factual at ITV, said: 'With access to the inner workings of this ambitious project and the work of Prince William and his team, we hope to share with viewers a privileged insight into how they are setting out to tackle an issue which concerns us all and affects so many of our fellow citizens across the UK.'
Royal Foundation chief executive Amanda Berry said: 'We know that television has the power to change hearts and minds.
'Homelessness can seem like it is hard to prevent but by sharing the realities of people's experiences and those who are coming together to support them, we can inspire action.
'This two-part documentary will help raise vital awareness and demonstrate that, by working together, it is possible to end homelessness.'
Prince William: We Can End Homelessness airs October 30 and 31 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, STV and STV Player.