The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Prince William and Mary Berry hail impact of Diana’s legacy
CHARITY: Prince says he educates his children on issues that were important to his mother
The Duke of Cambridge has said he tries to educate his children about issues, such as homelessness, that his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, cared about.
Speaking in scenes that will be aired as part of Mary Berry’s festive show, William said he and the Duchess of Cambridge made an effort to teach Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, one, about homelessness.
During a visit to The Passage, a homelessness charity based in London, which the duke supports as royal patron, William made cups of tea with former Great British Bake Off judge Berry.
William told her about visiting the project for the first time as a boy.
He said: “It was one of the first places I came to actually. I must have been between eight and 10, something like that. It had a profound impact on me.
“My mother knew what she was doing with it. She realised that it was very important when you grow up – especially in the life that we grew up – that you realise that life happens beyond palace walls, and that you see real people struggling with real issues.”
Berry replied: “Your mother chose the non-popular, the things we didn’t really talk about. I remember seeing her early on shaking hands with someone that had Aids, and it changed all our views.”
William said: “She liked to challenge the social norms about charities and about disadvantages and vulnerable people.”
Asked whether he educated his children about such issues, he said: “Absolutely, and on the school run – I know it sounds a little bit contrite – but on the school run already, bear in mind six and four, whenever we see someone who is sleeping rough on the street I talk about it and I point it out and I explain.”