Today, Prince William marks 20 years of patronage at the homeless charity Centrepoint, where his mother, Princess Diana, took him as a child.
William Was Presented With His Favorite Chocolate Cake
The Prince of Wales was hosted at a special event during his visit to the organization’s headquarters in London.
Princess Diana brought him and his brother, Prince Harry, to visit the homeless shelter when they were kids.
During his visit, he met with staff and young people whose lives have been changed by Centerpoint. The charity provides support and housing to help prepare them to become independent individuals.
William was presented with a three-tiered chocolate-and-brownie cake with the number 20 iced on it. It was a treat for him, as William is a self-professed “chocoholic.”
In a brief speech to staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, William said,
“Many of you have been here many more years than that, and it’s an amazing moment to think, in 20 years, how much has changed and been achieved by all of you.”
He continued,
“The Centerpoint family is one I am very proud to be a part of, and I can’t thank you all enough for all the hard work, every day, you give to help other people.”
The future King added,
“It’s fantastic, and that massive cake signifies the love, generosity, and time you all give to helping others, so make sure you take a piece!”
William was asked to take on a formal role at Centerpoint two decades ago. He made it evident that he didn’t want to be an “ornamental patron.” He’s kept his promises.
In 2009, Seyi Obakin, the chief executive of Centerpoint, and Prince William spent the night sleeping on the streets to help raise awareness about the plight of people experiencing homelessness.
The Prince Helped to Finish Painting a Mural
William has since launched his Homewards project, which is committed to showing that homelessness can be a brief, rare, and unrepeated occurrence.
Today, the Prince was told about some of the charity’s good work. Centerpoint is helping children at risk of becoming homeless and also supports their families.
William also helped complete a new “Wall of Hope” mural, co-designed by a group of young people and artist Lanre Olagoke, who was once homeless himself.
The purpose of the mural is to celebrate the charity’s determination to end homelessness. Centerpoint CEO later praised William’s commitment to the organization and his role in raising funds to further the cause.
Obakin said,
“Some of the things we have been able to do, we probably would not have done this without his patronage.”
He continued,
“When I first met him, I said to him, I’d like you to be a patron here for a very long time.”
Obakin continued,
“He wanted to get involved, he wanted to understand what was going on, he wanted to know how he could help, and I can honestly say he has been true to his word in every sense of the way.”
Centerpoint is also a key partner for William’s Homewards program. William is truly determined to end homelessness, as he once told his beloved mother at age 13,
“If I become King, I will let the homeless live in our palaces.”
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