Prince William has been pictured casually selling Big Issue magazines on the streets of Westminster in a touching “silent gesture” which saw multiple onlookers shocked by the Prince’s unpretentious labour.
The Prince wore a plain long-sleeve button up shirt accompanied by a red Big Issue gilet and matching red cap as he strolled around the London streets to sell editions of the magazine ‘for change’.
The Big Issue’s mission is, in the company’s own words, “to help people help themselves”, which they do through a number of enterprises, including their The Big Issue magazine, “a fortnightly, independent magazine sold on the streets by people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and disadvantage”.
Retired Metropolitan Chief Superintendent, Matthew Gardner, took to social media to share a photo his brother-in-law had sent to him of the Prince, revealing William had caught his brother-in-law in the act of taking the photo and approached him.
“My bother in law was in London today and saw a celebrity, so he took a photo at a distance,” Gardner wrote.
“The celebrity saw the ‘covert surveillance’ effort and crossed the road to investigate further.”
Gardner went on to acknowledge the Prince’s “silent” generosity and efforts to assist the community in an effort to bring light to William’s selfless “gesture”.
“What an honour to have a private moment with our future King who was humble and working quietly in the background, helping the most needy. These ‘silent gestures’ often go unrecognised,” said Gardner.
“The finale to this unique occasion was when Prince William asked my brother in law If he wanted to buy the ‘Big Issue’, to which he replied “I have no change”. At this point William produced a mobile card machine… you cannot teach that ! Priceless, or should I say ‘Princely’.”
Fans rallied to the post to praise the Prince for his “humble” personality and “dedication” to those in need.
“Unbelievable. Both the chance meeting and the humble attitude of HRH,” one fan wrote.
“The standard bearer he is, without doubt. Our land, heritage and future is in good hands. It will be an undoubted privilege to see him come to the throne one day. God bless him and his queen,” another commented.
One fan likened the Prince to his beloved late mother, Princess Diana, who was known for her important charitable endeavours.
“Wow. I recall the Big Issue from when I lived in London. Definitely a page from Diana. Low key, not looking for an entourage of applause. Good work William, you are making your mother proud,” the fan wrote.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are no strangers to regular charity work. The Duchess most recently attended a a children’s charity event in Brent where she met with staff and volunteers offering necessities to families with children under five in need.