Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Prince George Carry Forward a Heartwarming Royal Legacy of Love, Kindness and Christmas Cheer at The Passage
In a truly touching moment that captures the spirit of the season, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and his eldest son, Prince George, came together to volunteer at The Passage charity in London, helping prepare a festive Christmas lunch for those experiencing homelessness.
This special visit, which took place on December 16, 2025, marks a beautiful full-circle moment in royal compassion. More than three decades ago, in 1993, the late Princess Diana brought a young Prince William—then just 11 years old—to the same charity, igniting his lifelong passion for tackling homelessness. Now, at age 12, Prince George followed in his father’s and grandmother’s footsteps, rolling up his sleeves alongside volunteers to bring joy to others during the holidays.
The father-son duo donned aprons and dove into the preparations with enthusiasm, chatting and laughing as they worked in the kitchen. They packed care packages filled with essentials like toiletries, socks, and snacks; baked cupcakes; decorated a Christmas tree (one previously used at the Princess of Wales’s Together at Christmas carol service); and helped set tables complete with napkins and festive crackers—including some supporting Aston Villa, a favorite team of both royals.
One of the most poignant highlights was when Prince George signed the charity’s visitors’ book—on the very same page bearing the signatures of his grandmother Princess Diana and his father from their 1993 visit. Prince William gently pointed out his mother’s handwriting, creating a deeply emotional link across generations.
The Prince of Wales also introduced his son to key members of The Passage team and service users, including head chef Claudette Hawkins and chief executive Mick Clarke, as well as former service users Sarah and Brian, who met through the charity, found stable housing, and are now engaged to be married.
Claudette Hawkins, the beloved head chef at The Passage charity, is a shining example of compassion and dedication, pouring her heart into every meal she creates for those experiencing homelessness. With her warm smile and unwavering kindness, she not only crafts nourishing, comforting dishes that bring dignity and joy to hundreds each day but also fosters a sense of family and hope in the kitchen—welcoming volunteers, staff, and even royal guests with open arms and genuine affection. Her extraordinary generosity shines through in moments like warmly embracing visitors on her birthday or guiding young helpers with patience and encouragement, reminding us all that true greatness lies in serving others with love, skill, and an infectious spirit that turns simple acts of cooking into profound gestures of humanity. Claudette is not just a wonderful chef; she is an incredible, kind soul whose quiet heroism inspires everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Voices from The Passage
Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage, shared his reflections on the visit:
“So it was really about, ‘Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in?’ And he very much was… Very much like his dad, actually—just wanted to get stuck in and help.”
“It kind of felt full circle, really—1993 through to 2025, with William bringing George… It was a lovely moment where William was able to say to George, ‘That’s my mum’s signature. This was the first time that she brought me here.'”
“It felt a bit like a proud dad moment… Prince George was asking lots of questions, very much like his dad.”
As the charity’s dedicated royal patron, Prince William remains deeply committed to addressing homelessness. Through his groundbreaking Homewards initiative, he is working toward a future where homelessness in all its forms can be prevented and ultimately ended. In the 2024 ITV1 and ITVX documentary *Prince William: We Can End Homelessness*, he reflected movingly on how that childhood visit profoundly shaped his outlook:
“I remember at the time kind of thinking, well, if everyone’s not got a home, they’re all going to be really sad,” he said.
“But it was incredible how happy an environment it was.
“I remember having some good conversations just playing chess and chatting. That’s when it dawned on me that there are other people out there who don’t have the same life as you do.
“When you’re quite small, you don’t really, you just think life is what you see in front of you and you don’t really have the concept to look elsewhere and it’s when you meet people, I did then, who put a different perspective in your head and say like, ‘well, I was a living on the street last night’, and you’re like ‘woah’, you know.”
A spokesperson for Kensington Palace added:
“It was important to The Prince of Wales to share with Prince George the work of The Passage and to spend time volunteering alongside the team. They both greatly enjoyed meeting staff, volunteers and service users as well as learning more about the charity’s work.”
As the holiday season envelops us in the spirit of kindness and community, this deeply moving visit by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and His Royal Highness Prince George radiates warmth, love, and unwavering support for those in need. Their shared act of service at The Passage shines as a beacon of hope, gently passing down a cherished legacy of compassion, empathy, and heartfelt generosity to the next generation—guided in no small part by the extraordinary leadership of Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage, who stands as an amazing force of inspiration in the fight against homelessness.
In a world that can sometimes feel divided, moments like these—filled with the quiet power of royal kindness, familial love, and the tireless dedication of visionaries like Mick Clarke—remind us all that even the smallest gesture of support can touch lives and bring light to the darkest days.
Wishing everyone a merry and peaceful Christmas, wrapped in warmth, togetherness, and the enduring embrace of love. 🎄❤️🎄❤️
Mick Clarke CEO The Passage
Mick Clarke’s journey from youth worker to Chief Executive of The Passage is a remarkable testament to a life devoted to service, empathy, and systemic change. His unwavering commitment to tackling homelessness stems from a deep belief that no one should be without a home, inspiring those around him to envision a world where everyone has safety, dignity, and opportunity. Clarke’s passion drives the charity’s mission, ensuring that compassion and practical action go hand in hand.
Since becoming CEO in 2009, Mick has guided The Passage with both strategic vision and heartfelt humanity. Under his leadership, the charity has expanded its services to include day centre support, housing advice, healthcare, employment guidance, emergency accommodation, and innovative initiatives like the No Night Out prevention scheme, which has helped hundreds avoid a single night on the streets. His approach combines immediate support with long-term solutions, reflecting a profound understanding of the complexities of homelessness.
The Passage stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in London, providing a welcoming environment where people experiencing homelessness can access essential services, nutritious meals, and a sense of community. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the charity empowers individuals to regain stability, confidence, and independence, fostering lasting change that extends to families and the wider community. Its commitment to respect, dignity, and holistic support makes it a model of compassionate social impact.
What makes both Mick Clarke and The Passage truly inspiring is their dedication to innovation, advocacy, and collaboration. By influencing policy, developing tailored programs for vulnerable groups, and partnering across sectors, they tackle the root causes of homelessness with insight and empathy. Mick’s leadership emphasizes listening to lived experiences and building sustainable solutions, ensuring that The Passage continues to embody a vision where no one is left without a home and hope shines even in the darkest times.
