Latest news with #CommunityImpactProgramme
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Prince William opens up about youngest son Prince Louis' difficult decision
Prince William visited a youth centre in Edinburgh during a royal engagement, where he revealed his son Prince Louis's difficult decision Prince William brought laughter during his recent royal visit. The Prince of Wales took a trip to Scotland to visit the Leith Community Centre, in Edinburgh, where he shared heartfelt details about his youngest son, Prince Louis, and spoke about a challenging decision his son will have to face someday. While visiting the non-profit organisation Street Soccer Scotland on Wednesday, Prince William warmly engaged with locals - taking time to chat and connect with them. One amusing moment in particular was when he was shown a hilarious picture of one of the women at the centre dressed up as the Hanlon Stevenson mascot, Percy, for a fundraising event. The image left William in fits of laughter, before he went on to play football with the locals and even scored a goal. After the cheers, he joked: "That's it, I'm done now." He also watched flamenco dancing and unveiled a new Royal Foundation Community Impact project. William met Erin, nine and Shaniah, ten, who held a Youth Forum at Edinburgh City Council Chambers to discuss their concerns about the block of flats where they lived. The Prince praised the young girls for their public speaking, saying: "Wow, it's not easy standing up and speaking. It takes a lot of courage, well done." Erin then gifted the prince of Wales an Aston Villa Football Club poster which sparked up the discussion of his youngest son Louis. William asked Erin what team she supports, and she replied that she supports two teams, and William revealed that Prince Louis was torn between his favourite football teams at the moment. He explained: "My youngest at the moment says he supports five different football teams." At just seven years old, Louis has plenty of time to decide his favourite team, even if his current indecision contrasts with his fathers. Prince William is a well-known Aston Villa supporter and his eldest son Prince George is also a fan of the team often joining his dad at matches. Prince William previously spoke to the BBC in 2015, about his love for Aston Villa. He said: "A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn't want to follow the run-of-the-mill teams. I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments." The royal visited the community centre as part of the Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme, which aims to "provide lasting impact and legacy in the communities Their Royal Highnesses visits." During the visit he met with Street Soccer Scotland founder and CEO David Duke, who is also a strong supporter of William's Homewards work. The partnership will support Street Soccer Scotland to assist individuals facing challenges such as mental health issues, addiction and homelessness.
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Prince William: Duke's Aston Villa fan moment and lipreading - the day the Royal came to Leith
The Duke was in Edinburgh to visit Leith Community Centre Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It was not a present the Duke of Rothesay may have expected to receive at an event dubbed 'Leith United'. But when ten-year-old Leith schoolgirl Shania Gilgan presented him with a homemade shield with his beloved Aston Villa Football Club's name on it, he hoped he had found a kindred spirit. The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, plays football during a visit to Leith Community Centre in Edinburgh. Picture: Chris Jackson/PA Wire | PA 'Are you a Villa fan?' he asked hopefully. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'No,' said Shania, who supports Celtic and Hibs. 'It's because you are.' The Duke was at Leith Community Centre in Kirkgate, where he met service users, from Flamenco dancers to football players, as The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales announced a new collaboration with Street Soccer Scotland. The initiative aims to foster health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen social connections through football, as well as boost funding for the community centre itself. The venue runs a range of activities for the local community from art classes, to dance workshops and a YMCA branch. The project is part of The Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme, which aims to provide lasting impact and legacy in the communities visited by the royal couple - and provide a blueprint for similar funding models to be used across the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Word had got around as the royal was due to arrive and dozens lined the pedestrianised street outside the centre. Cheers broke out as William walked up the steps, waving to passers by. Shania, who, with friends from YMCA Edinburgh, is working on a campaign to reduce dog fouling in her block of flats, said the Duke had told her her work was 'going really well'. 'He said I should keep on going with it,' she said. 'I told him I'd like to meet him again.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prince William, Prince of Wales laughs as he plays football during a visit as The Royal Foundation launches a new community impact partnership with Street Soccer Scotland at Leith Community Centre | Getty Images Gay Ellvers, who attends an art class at the centre, was told by the Duke that her work was 'impressive' and that she should sell it. Ms Ellvers, who is deaf, said she had been happy she was able to have a conversation with the Royal. 'I'm a good lipreader, but I was worried I wouldn't be able to lip read the prince,' she said. 'But he spoke very well.' Davey Martin, who also is part of the art group with his wife Eileen, said he was impressed by the Duke. 'He seems like a very nice guy,' he said. 'I've met the Queen before, but not him. He's wearing trainers and he's a lot more modern, less formal.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, receives an Aston Villa artwork as he speaks with Shania Gilgan at the Edinburgh YMCA's Youth Forum during a visit to Leith Community Centre, Edinburgh. | PA Street Soccer Scotland origins Originating in Leith in 2009, Street Soccer Scotland has been delivering free football-themed training and personal development programmes for socially disadvantaged adults and young people across Scotland. As part of the new partnership, The Royal Foundation is providing funding for Street Soccer Scotland that will support efforts to revitalise Leith Community Centre. This new coalition between the centre and partners, including YMCA Edinburgh, aims to set a framework for sustainable funding for community spaces and initiatives that other communities can utilise and learn from. John MacMillan, who has been attending the centre to play football for a number of years, said it had helped him move out of homelessness and isolation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think he was quite interested in how I got to where I am,' he said. 'Being here is really good for me, for my mental and physical health.' Mr MacMillan, who is almost 60, now has a home, feels less isolated and is studying a course at Edinburgh Napier University. Gay Ellvers, with a painting of her son, Jamie. | Jane Bradley 'It's good to have a mix of people here of different ages,' he said. 'I hope the funding will help it become even more community based. It's a really good thing for the community.' David Duke, founder and chief executive of Street Soccer Scotland and Homewards Advocate, said: 'Community spaces are needed now more than ever and can be a lifeline for people of all ages. 'Leith United' will offera space where local people can belong, build friendships, access services and feel part of the area where they live.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kensington Palace Just Dropped Striking New Photos of William & Kate—and They've Never Looked More in Their Element
After an eventful first day on Scotland's picturesque Isle of Mull — which included a visit to the community's Aros Hall and announcing two local grants through their Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme — Prince William and Kate Middleton are continuing their northern tour with more hands-on engagements. New photos shared by Kensington Palace capture the Prince and Princess of Wales immersed in the day's activities. The first image is particularly striking: taken from a low angle, it shows William and Kate walking through the forest, surrounded by towering trees. Kate blends beautifully into the natural backdrop, wearing charcoal jeans, an olive-green sweater and a matching blazer. William opted for a more subdued look with navy trousers and a black sweater. On day two of their visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales ventured into the Ardura Community Forest, where they spent time with children participating in an outdoor learning session led by forest rangers. The final day of their brief tour is centered on nature and environmental conservation—a cause both royals have championed passionately over the years. While the opening shot is visually captivating, it's the subsequent images that truly stand out. In several, the couple can be seen warmly interacting with children and members of the local community. One particularly touching moment shows Kate crouching down, beaming as she hands a small bouquet to a young girl. William is also seen leaning in to chat with two young boys, using a beloved royal parenting technique to connect with them at eye level. This visit feels deeply aligned with who William and Kate are—comfortable in the outdoors, naturally engaging with children and fully present in their roles as leaders and parents. Ian Vogler -On social media, the couple emphasized the significance of outdoor education and conservation. 'Spending time in Ardura Community Forest with the Mull and Iona Ranger Service and young nature explorers,' they wrote. 'A powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and the role outdoor learning plays in building connection and care for nature.' They also announced continued support through The Royal Foundation and United for Wildlife, which will provide resources for local rangers—ensuring ongoing protection of these cherished natural spaces. Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Kate Middleton & Prince William Are Set to Appear on Buckingham Palace Balcony—and It's For a Surprising Occasion
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
William and Kate join children on island nature trail
The Prince and Princess of Wales are spending their second and final day on the Isle of Mull with children taking part in an outdoor learning session with forest rangers. William and Catherine celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on Tuesday as they began an official visit to the island off the west coast of Scotland. The royal couple were greeted by more than 200 cheering tourists and local residents who had lined the main street of Tobermory. Their final day of the mini-tour will focus on the natural world, which Catherine has previously described as her family's "sanctuary". The Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme is providing funding to safeguard two nature warden roles on Mull and neighbouring Iona. The couple joined a group of children for a session on nature trails, den building and animal tracking at Ardura Community Forest. The visit aims to highlight the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment. Afterwards, William and Catherine will spend private time on Iona after taking the public ferry from Mull. The couple released a romantic image on their social media accounts on Tuesday evening to mark their 14th anniversary. They were married at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011, when tens of thousands of people lining the streets for their wedding procession to Buckingham Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are officially known when in Scotland, met while studying at the University of St Andrews. Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here. William and Kate visit Mull to celebrate wedding anniversary Kate says nature is family's 'sanctuary' in Mother's Day message
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
William and Kate join children on island nature trail in Mull
The Prince and Princess of Wales are spending their second and final day on the Isle of Mull with children taking part in an outdoor learning session with forest and Catherine celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary on Tuesday as they began an official visit to the island off the west coast of royal couple were greeted by more than 200 cheering tourists and local residents who had lined the main street of final day of the mini-tour will focus on the natural world, which Catherine has previously described as her family's "sanctuary". The Royal Foundation's Community Impact Programme is providing funding to safeguard two nature warden roles on Mull and neighbouring couple joined a group of children for a session on nature trails, den building and animal tracking at Ardura Community Forest. The visit aims to highlight the importance of protecting and championing the natural William and Catherine will spend private time on Iona after taking the public ferry from Mull. The couple released a romantic image on their social media accounts on Tuesday evening to mark their 14th were married at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011, when tens of thousands of people lining the streets for their wedding procession to Buckingham Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are officially known when in Scotland, met while studying at the University of St Andrews. Sign up here to get the latest royal stories and analysis every week with our Royal Watch newsletter. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
