That sounds like Prince William’s heartwarming response from my grandfather to a cheeky anecdote about Prince Philip on a trip to Northern Ireland
Prince William reacted heartwarming when he was told a brutal anecdote about his grandfather in Northern Ireland yesterday.
The 41-year-old king traveled to six UK locations in 48 hours earlier this week to mark the launch of his new homelessness campaign, Homewards.
Yesterday, the father-of-three visited the East Belfast Mission headquarters as it is one of several charities he will be working with over the next five years to eradicate homelessness in the UK.
While the royal family were being shown around the Skainos Centre, a Methodist minister told William about his late grandparents’ visit to Belfast in March 2008.
He explained how the Queen and Prince Philip were informed about plans to build the Skainos Center 15 years ago.
The Prince of Wales is pictured during his tour of the Skainos Center in Belfast yesterday. The royal family was told in a cheeky comment how his grandfather helped the East Belfast Mission secure their funding
When the monarch asked why it had not yet been built, she was told that there was not enough money to carry out their plans.
The minister said to William yesterday: [Prince Philip] just ask right away [the politicians]”why don’t you just give them the money?”
The clergyman admitted, however, that he slightly altered Philip’s exact wording when he related the story to his grandson.
He added, “It had an expletive in it, but I’m not going to say that. And three weeks later the money came in.’
In reply, Prince William chuckled and said, “That sounds like my grandfather!”
While greeting benefactors outside the center, Prince William told a royal fan: “The Reverend has been telling me stories about my grandfather.”
The royal was also filmed shaking hands and chatting with a fan who appeared to be singing the praises of the Refresh Cafe on the charity’s grounds.
He asked, “Have you been for fries?” William then replied, “There’s a deep fryer waiting for people!” I have to go outside.’
“That sounds like my grandfather!” The Prince of Wales laughed when told of his grandfather’s cheeky remark to politicians. The pair pictured together in 2005
After the brutal interaction, the man got the crowd cheering from William.
William was officially welcomed to Northern Ireland’s capital by Lord Lieutenant Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Belfast Mayor Ryan Murphy and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson.
During the visit, Prince William met with charity workers who had been asked to form a coalition with Homewards and participated in a round table discussion.
The Prince of Wales has set his sights on making rough sleeping, sofa surfing and other forms of temporary accommodation a “rare, brief and non-repeated” issue.
With its new Homewards initiative, the royal family has been inspired by Finland, where the problem of homelessness has virtually been eradicated.
The father-of-three was all smiles as he spoke to a young royal fan outside The East Belfast Mission headquarters
Prince William was seen shaking hands with a royal fan who asked him if he had a roast in Belfast yesterday morning
William’s new five-year project will initially focus on six sites and local businesses, organizations and individuals will be encouraged to join forces and develop ‘tailor-made’ action plans to tackle homelessness with funding of up to £500,000.
The future king has become increasingly passionate about the issue of homelessness in the UK – after being taken to The Passage charity for the first time by his late mother Princess Diana.
On Sunday, the Prince of Wales announced his new project: “In a modern and progressive society, everyone should have a safe home, be treated with dignity and receive the support they need.
“Through Homewards, I want to make this a reality and, over the next five years, give people across the UK hope that homelessness can be prevented if we work together.”