During an official engagement at Hammersmith Academy, the father-of-two shared a list of the five people he would rely on during tough times.
The 33-year-old was visiting a bullying prevention workshop to highlight the work of the non-profit Diana Award, set up in his late mother’s name.
Taking part in a “high-five” exercise, William was asked to name his five key pillars of support.
Taking out the first spot was the mother of his children, Duchess Catherine, followed by his younger brother, 31-year-old Prince Harry. William then added to his list dad,
Prince Charles and grandparents the Queen and Prince Philip.
Lupo gets the royal nod making it into Prince William’s support network. Here the family pose for a happy snap shortly after Prince George’s birth in 2013.
But it was his decision to add a sixth support that had us all barking with joy. Rounding off his network was none other than his beloved pet pooch Lupo, the Cambridge’s English Cocker Spaniel.
The bullying prevention workshop focused on issues close to the Prince’s heart, discussing practical ways kids can tackle cyber bullying and LGBT bullying.
During the day, a group of teens and William were asked what they would do if they heard of some LGBT bullying.
The father-of-two was obviously conflicted between confronting the perpetrator or supporting the victim.
Deciding to choose both, he explained: “I would start on that side but end up here. I usually find myself right in the middle of problems.”
It was clear that room that Prince William was incredible with the children.
“He was hands on, and allowed the young people to speak their minds and was very good at being calming. He was really humble and great with the kids,” the charity’s training manager, Emma Scott told People.
William was asked to name his five key supports… but the future King sneaked in one extra name: Lupo!
While the charity chief executive, Tessy Ojo noticed how much William was like his mother, Princess Diana.
“This is Diana’s legacy. It’s not being a bystander. That’s the parallel. Princess Diana didn’t see a problem and leave it. The Diana Award is built around that ethos, getting young people to change their world,” Tessy explained.
Before adding, “He was relaxed with the young people. He said, ‘Sometimes people don’t want to get me involved in stuff.’ He enjoyed being asked to be involved.”
A spokesperson from Kensington Palace explained to People that William got involved with the program because he was drawn to the “the idea of a peer-led support network to prevent any child or young person suffering in silence.”
One of the Diana Award ambassadors, actor Will Poulter chatted to People about the future king and his work with the charity.
“[William] seems genuinely invested in wanting to cause a change to the way in which we approach bullying on our schools and ensure schools are a happy and safe place for people to be,” the actor expressed to the publication.
William takes part in the day’s exercises.
One attendee at the workshop also spoke to the publication about his experience with the Duke of Cambridge.
British student, Tom Broughton, 17, chatted to Prince George’s dad about how an anonymous online stalker had urged him to kill himself after he came out as gay.
“It was great to have his support, to have somebody of that stature and that high up, speaking up against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia,” Tom recalled of his time with William.
“It’s something that must be really deeply rooted in his want for justice and for everybody to be equal. It’s just amazing to see someone from royalty stand up and say this.”
Both William and Duchess Catherine are incredibly passionate about advocating the emotional and mental well-being of young people and children.
The new mum recently returned to royal duties with a visit to Anna Freud Centre, which promotes mental health in children.
The parents-of-two then enjoyed a night out at the Rugby World Cup, along with Prince Harry.
William cuddles up to his beautiful English Cocker Spaniel after a match of polo.
