Prince William on a recent visit to the Leith Community Centre in Scotland. There, he met with young activists Erin, 9, and Shaniah, 10, who live in the city. This visit on [insert date] was a testament to the inspiring power of community voices. Young girls passionately delivered their recommendations after a Youth Forum that took place at the Edinburgh City Council Chambers. The forum gradually focused on the home Erin and Shaniah live in, a rented six-storey block of flats. Most importantly, it showcased the Leaders’ deep dedication to create transformative change in their community.
As part of the Royal Foundation’s Community Impact Programme, Prince William aims to foster lasting impacts in communities he visits. While at the community center, he crossed paths with David Duke. Duke, who is the founder and CEO of Street Soccer Scotland, is a passionate advocate of the Homewards initiative, spearheaded by Prince William. This new community-oriented program should make substantial strides toward eradicating homelessness and developing stable solutions in communities large and small.
Erin and Shaniah made public speaking superstars Prince William’s day on this particular trip. He praised their courage by stating, “Wow, it’s not easy standing up and speaking. It takes a lot of courage, well done.” Their combined efforts are an example of a larger trend among young people to stand up, speak out, and demand action on the issue affecting their communities.
On the visit, Erin gifted Prince William an Aston Villa poster, leading to a fun discussion about football! Then he asked her about her loyalty to football teams, and that’s when Erin told him she roots for two teams.
“My youngest at the moment says he supports five different football teams,” Prince William remarked, referring to his 7-year-old son, Prince Louis. The royal’s passion for soccer is no secret, especially as he has been public as a devoted fan of the Aston Villa FC. He loved to tell the story of how, as a young boy footballer, he remembered that joy he would get rooting for the underdog teams that just brought all the excitement.
As part of his ongoing engagement with communities through the Royal Foundation, Prince William continues to emphasize the importance of youth involvement in local issues. His visit to Leith over the summer is an example of his ongoing involvement in our Community Impact Programme. It illuminates Justice’s profound personal stake with the young people he encounters in this place.
