Prince William made a heartbreaking admission during an engagement in Wales on Wednesday.
The Prince of Wales visited Newport, south Wales, to spotlight the city’s efforts in tackling homelessness, with a particular focus on vulnerable women.
Newport is one of six pilot locations in the royal’s Homewards initiative, which aims to end homelessness by mid-2028.
The prince, 42, met with several women and staff at the Nelson Trust, a support service operating across Wales, Bristol and surrounding areas.
Prince William made a heartbreaking admission during a conversation with a woman whose father and partner have died.
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Women’s homelessness has been identified as a key priority in Newport due to rising numbers, especially among those facing multiple challenges including trauma, poverty and domestic abuse.
The visit included both public engagements and a private meeting with victims of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation.
During his visit, the prince met Rebecca, a 32-year-old care assistant who shared her journey from living on the streets at 16 to overcoming profound personal losses.
Rebecca, who experienced foster care in her youth, spoke of surviving the deaths of both her partner and father, and a subsequent suicide attempt.
“You seem like a force of nature Rebecca,” the prince told her. “We need more Rebeccas in the world. You have been through more things than most people go through in their entire lifetime.”
The Prince of Wales visited Newport, south Wales, to spotlight the city’s efforts in tackling homelessness, with a particular focus on vulnerable women.
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Now living in council housing with her two daughters, Rebecca expressed her desire to help other struggling teenagers.
“I’m not sure I would have come out the other side like you,” the prince admitted, praising her resilience.
Prince William’s wife Princess Kate and father King Charles both suffered health concerns this year after being diagnosed with cancer.
The Princess of Wales has finished preventative chemotherapy treatment, while King Charles continues to receive treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Speaking to business leaders and charity representatives during the engagement, Prince William called for innovative approaches to tackling homelessness.
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Speaking to business leaders and charity representatives during the engagement, Prince William called for innovative approaches to tackling homelessness.
“I can be the slight disruptor here and say to you all to think very differently, outside the box,” he urged. “Let’s be really ambitious and almost throw the paperwork up in the air and see how it lands.”
In response to the findings of a report by the Homewards Newport Coalition, local authorities have announced concrete steps to address women’s homelessness.
The city council and housing organisations have committed to introducing properties specifically designated for women in need.
NHS Wales will hire an early intervention worker to ensure women can access appropriate support at their first point of contact.
Additionally, sector workers will receive enhanced trauma training to better serve vulnerable women.
