Prince William and Kate Visit Belfast to Address Homelessness
The Prince and Princess of Wales met with young people and organizations involved in tackling homelessness as part of Prince William's Homewards initiative.
Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, arrived in Belfast on October 9, 2026, for a series of engagements focused on addressing homelessness. The royal visit, conducted under a strict security protocol that shrouds such events in secrecy until after they occur, aimed to highlight Prince William's Homewards initiative.
During their visit, the couple met with organizations and young individuals dedicated to helping those at risk of homelessness secure more stable lives and find employment opportunities. The program showcased an innovative pilot scheme launched in Belfast by Homewards, Prince William's project to eradicate homelessness in key areas across the United Kingdom. This initiative serves as a model for collaborative efforts between organizations and agencies to combat the issue.
The pilot program has successfully supported young people in finding work, building confidence, and maintaining their new roles. Building on this success, the approach is being expanded to four other Homewards locations, with commitments secured from major national companies in the UK.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also learned about the crucial role that employers, public services, and community organizations play in fostering an environment where individuals can thrive. This engagement is part of the broader five-year Homewards program, which seeks to establish that homelessness can be made rare, brief, and unrepeated.
In recent days, the Waleses have participated in several public events, including attending the charity premiere of "Digger" with Tom Cruise and surprising Sir Kevin Sinfield during his fundraising efforts for motor neurone disease research and support.