A series of new pictures have been released to mark Prince William’s 40th birthday.
The Duke of Cambridge has been photographed with his arm on the shoulder of 60-year-old Big Issue seller Dave Martin.
Mr Martin took the prince under his wing earlier this month and showed him how to sell the magazine which gives an income to the homeless.
His milestone birthday comes in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year and, mirroring his grandmother’s commitment to duty and service, he has vowed to continue to raise the issue of homelessness in an article for the Big Issue.
“So, for my part, I commit to continue doing what I can to shine a spotlight on this solvable issue not just today, but in the months and years to come,” wrote the duke who is the magazine’s cover star along with Mr Martin.
He added: “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.”
In another picture released to celebrate the duke’s milestone, he is shown holding a pile of the magazines and, in the third image, is pictured sharing a laugh with someone who appears to be buying the publication.
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A more prominent role
In the coming decade, the future king’s role will become more prominent as he supports the monarchy.
The past 12 months have been an important period for the duke who, in October, held the inaugural awards ceremony for his ambitious Earthshot Prize – a 10-year, £50 million project to recognise innovative ideas to repair the planet.
The Cambridges spent three days touring the country by royal train in December, thanking frontline and key workers for their efforts since the coronavirus crisis began.
But there have been setbacks with William and Kate criticised for certain elements of their recent Caribbean tour deemed to hark back to colonial days.
William is likely to mark his milestone birthday privately and it’s thought Kate and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who featured during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, will play a part.
This weekend, a picture of William and his children was released to mark Father’s Day.
Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales was born second in line to the throne at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, at 9.03pm on June 21 1982.
