Prince William has spent part of his 40th birthday today visiting a veteran Big Issue seller who he sold copies of the magazine with in a "eye-opening" experience earlier this month.
The future king was spotted paying a visit to a Tesco supermarket in Hammersmith, West London, today to see Dave Martin, a vendor who also interviewed William for the publication and appears on the front cover with him of the latest issue.
William, who was dressed down in a khaki-coloured shirt and navy trousers, could be seen shaking hands with Mr Martin and also clutching a copy of the Big Issue.
He also posed for a picture with Mr Martin and waved as shoppers passed by going in and out of the store.
William's visit to the supermarket to meet up with Mr Martin comes just a day after an article he wrote for the Big Issue was published, where he vowed to to keep shining a light on the problem of homelessness.
In the latest issue of the magazine, William, who has long been involved in supporting charities that help the homeless, opens up about why he refuses "to believe that homelessness is an irrevocable fact of life".
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He talks about his mother, the late Princess Diana, and how his interest in wanting to solve the homelessness issue came when he first visited a homeless shelter with her aged 11.
He writes: "I was 11 when I first visited a homeless shelter with my mother, who in her own inimitable style was determined to shine a light on an overlooked, misunderstood problem."
And he adds that just like his mother, he intends to introduce his children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - to charitable causes in the future.
He explains: “While I may seem like one of the most unlikely advocates for this cause, I have always believed in using my platform to help tell those stories and to bring attention and action to those who are struggling.
“I count myself extremely lucky to have a role that allows me to meet people from all walks of life, and to understand their full story – whatever it may be. It’s a privilege that many of us, busy with our days, don’t always afford.
“In the years ahead, I hope to bring George, Charlotte and Louis to see the fantastic organisations doing inspiring work to support those most in need – just as my mother did for me.”
Earlier this month, William tried to go under the radar by selling The Big Issue on the streets of London with fellow vendor Mr Martin.
Wearing a red vendor’s vest and baseball cap and official accreditation on his chest, the Duke joined Mr Martin, who had volunteered to show William the ropes, outside a Sainsbury’s Local in Victoria, a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace.
News about the famous Big Issue seller soon spread through word of mouth and a queue formed, with people eager to meet the future king. But they had to buy the magazine and 32 copies, which would normally take his guide a week to sell, were snapped up in under an hour.
He describes his time with vendor Dave Martin as “eye-opening” and says he was recognised by those who stopped to buy the magazine, which allows the homeless to earn income by selling the publication.
William reveals: "I wanted to experience the other side and see what it was like to be a Big Issue vendor. My time was truly eye-opening. I was lucky to join Dave on a warm, sunny day in June. People recognised a familiar face and were happy to give me the time of day. But that isn’t the case for the vast majority of Big Issue vendors..."
