Prince William and Catherine visit Belfast to showcase homelessness pilot program

Prince William and Catherine travelled to Belfast today, with details of the visit kept secret until after the fact for security reasons. During their stay they met with charities and young volunteers focused on reducing homelessness and creating employment pathways. The centerpiece of the itinerary was the Homewards pilot, a project launched by William to tackle homelessness through coordinated action among employers, public services and community groups.

The scheme has already helped young people secure work, build confidence and maintain new positions, leading to its rollout in four additional sites and securing pledges from large national companies. The visit underscores the five-year Homewards agenda, which seeks to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated. Recent royal engagements have also included a charity film premiere and a surprise appearance supporting a motor neurone disease fundraiser.