Prince William poses for The Big Issue’s 40th Birthday Special Edition. He revealed that he was inspired to do so by Princess Diana, his mother.
The Duke of Cambridge wrote exclusively for the magazine to explain why he wanted to talk about the problem of homelessness around his milestone, which he celebrates tomorrow, after going undercover as a Big Issue seller on the streets of London earlier this month.
William is the father of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He recalled his early interest in this issue at the age 11 when he visited the first homeless shelter together with his mother, Princess of Wales.
He stated that Diana had, “in her own unique style”, been determined to bring attention to an under-understood, overlooked problem.
The magazine, sold by people in order to lift themselves out of poverty, also includes an interview between William and Dave Martin, 60, the Big Issue vendor he joined to sell the magazine.
Prince William posed in a special issue of The Big Issue for his 40th Birthday.
After going underground as a Big Issue salesman in London, the Duke of Cambridge wrote exclusively to the magazine.
Dave Martin (right), the Duke of Cambridge, speaking with Dave Martin. Just a few days following the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, sold Big Issue magazine Rochester Row near Victoria, London.
William writes: “I was 11 years old when I first went to a shelter for homeless people with my mom. She was determined, in her inimitable way, to shed light on a misunderstood and overlooked problem.
“In the 30 years that have passed, many projects within this sector have grown from strength to strength. I am proud to be Patron of several charities.
‘New initiatives have been launched up and down the country – some have worked, some have not. The Big Issue is perhaps the most well-known of all these organizations, and it has undoubtedly had an effect.
He added, “I wanted the chance to witness another side and to feel what it was to be a Big Issue seller.” It was really eye-opening. On a sunny June day, I was fortunate to have Dave as my guest. Many people recognized me as a familiar face, and gave me their time. But that isn’t the case for the vast majority of Big Issue vendors…
“And although I might seem to be one of the least likely advocates for this cause,” I said. I believe in using my platform and stories to tell these stories and bring attention to people who are suffering. Now that I am 40 years old, I intend to continue doing this work.
“So I, for my part. I pledge to continue doing all I can to shine the spotlight on this solution not just today but over the coming months and years.
‘And 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.’
Prince William and his brother Harry, Diana and Harry visit The Passage homeless shelter in 1993.
Pictured right: The Duke of Cambridge selling Big Issue London in London (photo centre), with Big Issue vendor Dave Martin (pictured middle).
Prince William, (pictured selling Big Issue), wrote, “I was 11 years old when I visited the first homeless shelter with my mom. She, in her inimitable way, was determined to shed light on a misunderstood and overlooked problem.”
People sell this magazine to help them out of poverty. It also features an interview with Dave Martin (pictured), who is the Big Issue vendor that he bought the magazine.
Just a few short days after Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebration, the Duke of Cambridge bought the magazine from Rochester Row. He was close to Victoria, London, and Dave Martin, the Big Issue vendor.
They sold 32 books together that afternoon. The pair then visited The Passage which was a nearby charity for homeless people. The Duke has become a patron of The Passage since 2019.
To give her sons an understanding of the difficulties faced by those on the margins, Princess Diana took her children to The Passage.
Dave and the Duke then spoke with each other about the Big Issue sales experience, homelessness and how the Jubilee brought together the nation. The Big Issue magazine has the conversation available.
William asked Dave about The Big Issue’s impact on him. He replied, “It got my off the streets.” I was treated with respect. At the time, I was beggar. The other vendor told me that there was more to it and invited me to visit the Big Issue office.
According to the Duke, “People who are homeless cannot rebuild their lives without many things. One of those items is self-respect and respect. That’s the Big Issue. It also gives you a way to make an income.
Vitalijus Zuikauskas takes a photo with Prince William after he was seen selling The Big Issue in London on June 8, 2022
December 2009: At 27 years old, William slept rough for a night to better understand Christmas’s homeless situation.
Lord John Bird was the founder of The Big Issue. He said that he met Prince William to discuss how he had himself been homeless. After a while, he got over his grief and was released from prison. The Big Issue then began.
“We must do all we can to lift the millions of poor people out of poverty in the UK. Not just emergency assistance, but prevention and treatment should be emphasized more.
“The interest shown in William’s sale of The Big Issue is enormous. This puts our vendors and sterling work back into the public spotlight. Everybody, not just Princes, can sell The Big Issue.
Mick Clarke (CEO of The Passage) said, “We were thrilled to host HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for this exclusive interview with Dave and The Big Issue.”
“The Duke” has been to The Passage many times over the years in order to visit our clients and increase awareness about homelessness. Dave, a past Passage client, was a special guest and we are very proud of how he is moving on in his life.
‘As The Duke mentions in the interview, the “Everyone In” programme showed that when society works together, we can truly make progress towards ending street homelessness – which simply should not exist in 21st century Britain. The Passage is proud to stand alongside The Duke and The Big Issue, as well as many other people who work hard for ending homelessness.
The UK’s special edition of The Big Issue is now available for purchase from Dave and other vendors. Vendors buy magazines for £1.50 and sell them for £3, keeping the proceeds.
Around 1,300 people are selling The Big Issue to get out of poverty.
To find your Big Issue vendor, visit www.bigissue.com. If you can’t get to a local vendor, subscriptions are available at www.bigissue.com/subscribe to help continue the work of the organisation.