Princess Diana’s legacy sees Prince William rocking velvet and a beard in the spirit of homeless transformation

Prince William is actively honoring his mother’s legacy in the fight against homelessness, as he made a notable appearance at a special awards ceremony earlier this week. The event, hosted by Centrepoint, a charity dedicated to providing housing and support for young people experiencing homelessness in the U.K., celebrated the resilience and achievements of young individuals who have successfully turned their lives around despite facing significant challenges.

A Heartfelt Cause

The awards ceremony aimed to recognize those who have demonstrated remarkable progress in areas such as career development, personal growth, and community contributions. The cause resonates deeply with Prince William, as his mother, Princess Diana, was a passionate advocate for the homeless. In 1992, she became a patron of Centrepoint, dedicating herself to raising awareness and support for those in need. The values that drove Diana’s mission have clearly been passed down to her children, as both William and his brother Harry continue to honor her legacy, albeit in different ways. Harry has established his own charity with his wife, focusing on a broader demographic.

A Stylish Appearance

Dressed impeccably for the occasion, Prince William showcased a classic James Bond-inspired look, donning a stylish velvet tuxedo jacket paired with a black bow tie. This appearance stands in stark contrast to a previous event where he was seen in robes and a less-than-flattering headpiece during the Order of the Garter ceremony. Clearly more at ease in his current outfit, William has been known to favor this elegant style at various award ceremonies, and he certainly made an impression this time, particularly after being named the U.K.’s third sexiest man for 2024.

To the surprise of many, William also sported facial hair for the first time in a public appearance, a departure from his usual clean-shaven look. This new style seems to suit him well, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble.

Prince William’s Passionate Speech

However, William’s presence at the Centrepoint awards was about more than just style; he took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech. He began by congratulating the award winners and nominees, expressing admiration for their ambition and determination: “I am inspired by the ambition and commitment of all the award winners and nominees this evening. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves.”

He then articulated his vision for ending homelessness in the U.K., echoing the sentiments his mother shared throughout her life: “While homelessness is, of course, a complex societal issue, I passionately believe that it can, and should, be ended. Achieving this will require a movement that creates systemic change.”

William has long been involved with Centrepoint, becoming a patron in 2005, and he also supports The Passage, another charity focused on aiding the homeless. His ongoing commitment to these causes reflects his deep-rooted dedication to continuing his mother’s legacy, ensuring that her work and values live on through his efforts.