Prince William met homeless youngsters yesterday on a private visit to Centrepoint Safe Stop. The 24-year-old chatted to teenagers as he dropped in to help with breakfast early yesterday morning.

Prince William and Ali Iyiguven at Centrepoint Safe Stop

During the low-key visit in Soho, central London, Prince William, Centrepoint’s Patron, met some of those who would have been spending Christmas on the streets had it not been for the charity's support.

The Prince spoke to 18-year-old Ali Iyiguven, who is being helped by Centrepoint's Safe Stop, which offers nine days of emergency accommodation to youngsters in danger of sleeping rough.

Diana, Princess of Wales, former Centrepoint Patron, used to take Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, on secret visits to the charity's shelters when they were children. She felt it was important for them to see the problems encountered by the homeless.

A Clarence House spokesman said: "William's aware that Christmas is an important time for the charity and wanted to highlight the work Centrepoint does. He wanted to thank staff and offer whatever support he could."

William was briefed on Centrepoint's Countdown To Christmas appeal which is trying to raise more than £250,000 to help youngsters over the crucial festive period and beyond.

William joined the youngsters for a cup of tea and heard about their experiences and how they coped with the prospect of homelessness.
Mr Iyiguven said afterwards: "I was very surprised to see Prince William when I came down to breakfast. He was really nice and his voice doesn't sound like it does on TV. I was really nervous. We talked about how I had become homeless and why I was at Safe Stop. We also talked about the staff and how they are really nice and helpful and give you plenty of advice and seem to care about you."

Former Centrepoint resident Stuart Cox, 24, who has met Prince William before during one of his previous visits, chatted to the Prince.

"He really seemed to enjoy meeting everyone. He listens and connects with young people and their situations and makes people feel at ease," Mr Cox said. “I met William when he announced his patronage during his original volunteering last year when I had the opportunity to talk about my own personal situation. He came across genuinely interested in my circumstances and that of the other young people he met. At Christmas it is a real boost."

Anthony Lawton, Centrepoint chief executive, said "I updated Prince William on the charity's current projects. I also briefed him on recent successes, including our new partnership with the property industry charity, Land Aid and our ideas for a new Centrepoint Gospel Choir which we hope may turn out go to be good enough for the Concert For Diana."

To support Centrepoint this Christmas call the donation line on 0800 23 23 20 or text SAFE to 84862.

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Notes to Editors

For further information please contact Sarah Roberts, Centrepoint Media Relations: 0207 423 6813 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Centrepoint is the national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded homeless young people.  It   provides a range of services, including emergency night shelters and short stay hostels, specialist projects for care leavers, ex-offenders, young single parents, foyers and supported flats and floating support services.   These services provide the foundations from which young people can start addressing some of the issues that lead to them becoming homeless, and developing the skills they need for a sustainable future.  For more information about Centrepoint visit www.centrepoint.org.uk.