Prince William, also known as the Prince of Wales, made a surprise visit to a branch of Pret A Manger in Bournemouth on Thursday. His visit was part of his Homewards initiative, which aims to end homelessness for good. The Prince met with local and national businesses that have pledged their support to this cause, including Pret A Manger.
During his visit, Prince William had an unexpected encounter with England football legend, Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne. Gazza, a local resident, entered the Pret A Manger branch and greeted the Prince warmly. This surprise meeting added a special touch to the Prince’s outing and showcased the mutual love for football between the two.
Rising Stars Program Expansion
One of the topics discussed during Prince William’s visit was Pret A Manger’s commitment to expanding its Rising Stars program. This program, run by The Pret Foundation, aims to break the cycle of homelessness by providing support, training, and employment opportunities. Over the next five years, the program will see a 40% expansion, supporting at least 500 people in finding employment in Pret A Manger’s UK shops.
Pano Christou, the CEO of Pret A Manger and Trustee of The Pret Foundation, expressed his pride and honor in collaborating with Homewards and Prince William to further develop the Rising Stars program. He emphasized that no one can solve the issue of homelessness alone and highlighted Pret A Manger’s continuous efforts to provide new opportunities and support to those in need.
In addition to his visit to Pret A Manger, Prince William also visited AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. This visit aimed to learn about the club’s ongoing community work in supporting individuals at risk of homelessness. It also highlighted the club’s commitment to expanding its projects as part of the Homewards initiative. Prince William’s interest in football and his dedication to ending homelessness were evident throughout his visit.
The Homewards Initiative
Prince William launched the Homewards initiative in June, during which he visited various locations across the UK that were implementing the program. The initiative focuses on providing support, training, and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Prince William’s commitment to this cause is evident in his efforts to collaborate with local and national businesses to tackle the issue from multiple angles.
Prince William’s visit to Bournemouth marked his first public outing since his summer break. Alongside his wife, Kate Middleton, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, the royal family spent their summer at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall. Despite taking a break, both Prince William and Kate remained engaged with various events and initiatives that aligned with their charitable work.
While Prince William resumed his public engagements after the summer break, his brother, the Duke of Sussex, returned to the UK for the WellChild Awards in London. This marked his first appearance in the country since June. The brothers, who last appeared together at King Charles’s coronation in May, continue to carry out their individual charitable endeavors and support causes close to their hearts.
Reflecting on the Past Year
As the first anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s passing approaches, there is a moment of reflection on the events and milestones of the past year. Many experts and commentators, including broadcaster and writer Gyles Brandreth and photographer Julian Calder, have shared their insights and memories on the new season of the A Right Royal Podcast, giving listeners a chance to look back on the legacy of the beloved Queen.
Prince William’s surprise visit to Pret A Manger in Bournemouth showcased his commitment to ending homelessness through his Homewards initiative. The unexpected meeting with Paul Gascoigne added an element of excitement to the outing. Through collaborations with businesses like Pret A Manger and AFC Bournemouth, the Prince aims to provide support, training, and employment opportunities to those in need. The royal family’s dedication to charitable work and support for various causes remains unwavering.
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