On a brisk December morning in 2025, the echoes of a royal legacy resounded through the halls of The Passage, a London-based charity dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness. Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and his 12-year-old son, Prince George, donned aprons and rolled up their sleeves to help prepare Christmas lunch for 150 people in need—a gesture that carried both personal significance and public resonance.
The sight of father and son working side by side in the bustling kitchen was more than a seasonal photo opportunity. According to Reuters, their visit continued a tradition started decades earlier by the late Princess Diana, who brought a young William to the same charity in 1993. That early act of compassion has since shaped William’s lifelong commitment to tackling homelessness, a cause he now seeks to pass on to the next generation.
For Prince George, the experience was a rare public engagement and a formative lesson. As reported by BBC News, George was eager to contribute, helping with Yorkshire puddings while his father took charge of the Brussels sprouts. Mick Clarke, chief executive of The Passage, described the young prince as “a lovely kid” who “just really seemed very interested in the work that we do, and particularly in talking to people who have used our services.” Clarke added, “It was really about, ‘Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?’ And he very much was. Very much like his dad, actually—just wanted to get stuck in and help.”
The family connection was made tangible when George signed the visitors’ book, adding his name to the same page where both William and Princess Diana had signed more than three decades earlier. Clarke called it a “lovely, beautiful moment,” noting, “I think particularly with Prince William pointing out to George, ‘This is my mum’s signature. This was the first time that she brought me here.’ It kind of felt full circle, really—1993 through to 2025, with William bringing George.”
The Passage, founded in 1980 and inspired by the ethos of social reformer St Vincent de Paul, has become a fixture in Westminster’s efforts to address homelessness. Last year alone, the charity assisted more than 3,000 people. Its mission extends beyond providing meals, with outreach programs that tackle the root causes of homelessness—poverty, addiction, mental health struggles, domestic violence, and traumatic family events. The organization also warns of the dangers of human trafficking and modern slavery, issues that often intersect with homelessness in ways that are both tragic and complex.
For William, the visit was more than a seasonal gesture. The Prince of Wales has long championed efforts to prevent homelessness, drawing inspiration from his own childhood visits to The Passage with his mother. In an interview last year, William reflected on his first experience at the charity: “My mother went about her usual part of making everyone feel relaxed and having a laugh and joking with everyone. I remember at the time, kind of thinking, well, if everyone’s not got a home, they’re all going to be really sad. But it was incredible how happy an environment it was.”
William’s advocacy extends to his Homewards campaign, which aims to address the systemic causes of homelessness across the UK. His work also intersects with broader issues such as mental health awareness and environmental sustainability, reflecting a holistic approach to public service that has become a hallmark of his tenure as Prince of Wales. According to a spokesperson for Kensington Palace, “It was important to The Prince of Wales to share with Prince George the work of The Passage and to spend time volunteering alongside the team. They both greatly enjoyed meeting staff, volunteers and service users as well as learning more about the charity’s work.”
The timing of the visit was notable. As reported by multiple outlets, including Reuters and BBC News, the volunteering took place on December 20, 2025—the same day as the annual Royal Family Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. The contrast between the opulence of the palace and the humble setting of The Passage was not lost on observers, nor, it seems, on the royals themselves. The visit served as a reminder of the importance of empathy, humility, and social responsibility, values that Princess Diana famously championed during her lifetime.
In a video released by the Prince and Princess of Wales, George was seen wearing an apron with his name on it, working alongside volunteers, and embracing the spirit of the occasion. The footage captured moments of laughter, teamwork, and genuine connection—a testament to the power of shared service, regardless of social status or circumstance.
The Passage’s chief executive, Mick Clarke, emphasized the importance of exposing young people to the realities of life outside the palace walls. “It seemed as though Prince George’s family were trying to show their children life outside the palace and how it was important that the most vulnerable in society are supported and looked after,” he told BBC News. This sentiment echoed the approach taken by Princess Diana, whose public and private visits to charities like The Passage helped to humanize the royal family and draw attention to pressing social issues.
Homelessness remains a persistent challenge in the UK, with thousands of people each year facing the loss of their homes due to factors often beyond their control. As The Passage notes, “Many people are just one bill away from experiencing homelessness.” The charity’s work is a lifeline for those on the brink, offering not only meals but also support, advocacy, and hope for a better future.
William, his wife Kate, and their three children are expected to spend Christmas at King Charles’ Sandringham estate, as reported by Reuters. Yet, the lessons learned at The Passage—and the memories forged in service—are likely to linger long after the holiday tables have been cleared.
In an era when the relevance of the monarchy is often debated, moments like these offer a glimpse of continuity, compassion, and the quiet power of example. For Prince George, the day was a step into his family’s legacy of service; for those at The Passage, it was a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can resonate across generations.
