In a poignant moment bridging three generations of royal service, Prince George joined his father, the Prince of Wales, to prepare Christmas lunches for people experiencing homelessness this week. The 12-year-old prince visited The Passage, a central London charity, where his father first volunteered as an 11-year-old boy alongside his late grandmother, Princess Diana, in 1993.
A Legacy of Compassion Passed Down
The visit was described by the charity's chief executive, Mick Clarke, as "a proud dad moment" for William. It provided a unique opportunity for the future king to show his eldest son the work that has been a cornerstone of his charitable life and to connect him to his grandmother's legacy. William reportedly told George, "That's my mum", as they viewed a historic page in the visitor's book.
That book held a powerful symbol of continuity. On a page signed by Diana and a young William over three decades ago, Prince George added his own signature during Tuesday's visit. Mr Clarke said the young prince was "fascinated" by the moment, uttering, "Wow. Ok." The executive, who has worked with William for years, noted the visit felt like "almost coming full circle from 1993 to the end of 2025."
Getting 'Stuck In' to Help
Guided by Mr Clarke, George was shown around the St Vincent's centre and briefed on the charity's No Night Out campaign, which aims to prevent anyone from spending a single night on the streets. He was then tasked with practical help to prepare for the vital Christmas lunch. "Time to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in," Clarke told him, to which George was reportedly "well up for it."
The young royal assisted volunteers in creating care packages containing around 30 items, including £10 Greggs vouchers, toiletries, socks, and snack bars, for those unable to attend the main meal. He also helped decorate a Christmas tree donated to The Passage from Westminster Abbey, following his mother the Princess of Wales's carol service—a detail Clarke called a "nice synergy."
Family, Football and Food in the Kitchen
The heart of the visit was in the kitchen, where William and George worked alongside volunteers. William tackled Brussels sprouts while George worked on Yorkshire puddings. The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with the familiar banter William enjoys at the charity, which even extended to football rivalry, with Clarke, a Tottenham supporter, being teased by the Aston Villa-fan royals.
In a particularly moving moment, William introduced George to Sarah and Brian, a couple who met through The Passage after being helped off the streets. Now engaged, they plan to marry at the charity. Sarah told George that Christmas is a time for family, and for them, The Passage is their family. Clarke observed it was "lovely for George to listen and to have a chat."
The visit, which lasted around an hour before the pair joined the wider royal family for lunch at Buckingham Palace, was the result of discussions over "a couple of years" to find the right time to introduce George to the charity's work. While Prince George's younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were not present, The Passage sent three teddy bears home with William—one for each of his children.
