The Duke of Cambridge honours the achievements of young people who have overcome homelessness at Kensington Palace awards ceremony
08 February 2018, Daily Mail
Prince William has honoured the achievements of young people who have overcome homelessness at a reception at Kensington Palace.
The Duke of Cambridge, 35, looked dapper in a navy suit as he attended Centrepoint’s annual awards ceremony tonight.
The royal appeared animated as he chatted to guests at the reception, before handing out awards to outstanding young people who have been helped by the homelessness charity.
The reception was also attended by other celebrity supporters of the charity, including actress Emilia Clarke, TV presenter Jonathan Ross, and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes.
The Centrepoint awards, which are being held for the third time, recognises young people for their efforts in personal development, sport and education.
The organisation, which turns 50 next year, provides physical and mental health support to 16 to 25 year-olds to people who are homeless.
William has long been a supporter of the charity, officially becoming a patron in 2005.
His mother Princess Diana was also a patron of Centrepoint before she died.
Last year, William helped launch a new helpline for the charity, which helps young people with advice and support on housing, as well as related issues such as mental health, relationships, money and work.
It has been a busy day for William, who visited the Ark Burlington Danes Academy in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, this morning along with rapper Professor Green.
Speaking to pupils at the school, he revealed his worry for young girls who feel pressure to emulate the airbrushed pictures they see online.
The prince said: ‘I worry for you girls. The touched up pictures are not real.
‘Don’t try to recreate them or think that’s what you’ve got to aim for. There’s a lot of fakeness online so don’t worry about that.’
He added: ‘For your mental health, get outside, come away from the screen.’
William, who has daughter Princess Charlotte, two, was taking part in a discussion about how to stay safe and happy online.