Prince William Faces Tough Questions from Homelessness Advocate in New Docuseries
Prince William, long focused on his ambitious project to end homelessness in the UK, has been met with both praise and skepticism as he prepares to release his new docuseries, Homewards. Inspired by his late mother, Princess Diana, the series will delve into the project’s first-year efforts to tackle homelessness and its commitment to making homelessness “rare, brief, and unrepeated.” The two-part documentary is set to premiere globally on Friday.
On Thursday, Prince William shared a preview from the series on social media, revealing some of the project’s impact so far and openly addressing challenging questions from critics. “Our new documentary with @itv is all about the work @homewardsuk has been doing during its first year, bringing people together as we work towards our shared goal of showing that it is possible to end homelessness,” read the caption from Kensington Palace.
In a notable segment from the series, William was directly challenged by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue and a lifelong advocate for homelessness solutions.Lord Bird, known for his no-nonsense approach, challenged the Prince on his commitment to the cause. “I didn’t want to have any b——t,” Lord Bird said, questioning whether William could truly deliver on his five-year goal to end homelessness in the UK, according to the Express. He asked if William genuinely intended to consider everyone’s opinions and act on them in shaping the project.
In response, Prince William remained steadfast, affirming that he believes it’s entirely possible to eradicate homelessness within the next five years. This commitment reflects William’s broader vision for Homewards, a project that unites charities, community leaders, and policymakers in a coordinated effort to address the roots of homelessness across the nation.
The Prince has faced criticism over his royal privilege and the perceived distance between the monarchy and the lives of everyday citizens, which has only intensified as he takes on issues typically addressed by social advocates. However, through Homewards and his engagement with figures like Lord Bird, William is attempting to bridge this gap, showing that he is ready to confront the uncomfortable questions and engage in the hard work needed for tangible change.
As the series premiere approaches, the Prince’s efforts have drawn public attention to both the challenges and potential solutions for homelessness. This documentary release offers a unique opportunity for viewers to witness the impact of William’s commitment to the issue—and the level of accountability he faces from seasoned advocates determined to keep him grounded in the real-world complexities of the crisis.