A kiss from Gazza for the Prince of Wales as new phase of Homewards begins

The Prince of Wales spent the day in Bournemouth on behalf of his Homewards homelessness project, meeting with local businesses and organisations who are committed to the project. And he also bumped into one of Britain’s most famous sports stars who popped in and gave the prince a kiss.

William’s first stop was a branch of Pret A Manger where he and entrepreneur podcaster Steven Bartlett learned more about the Rising Stars programme that has been a fixture at the company for 30 years. There, William donned an apron and helped out behind the counter while also talking about the importance of making homelessness rare and brief.

One of the ways Pret A Manger and The Pret Foundation supports the homeless population is through the Rising Stars Programme, which offers training and employment opportunities to those who use the service.

Pret A Manger will expand its Rising Stars programme to help at least 500 people who are experiencing homelessness in the United Kingdom as part of its commitment to Homewards.

In a statement shared by Kensington Palace, Pret A Manger’s CEO Pano Christou said that the company has always been involved in helping the homeless population, and “That’s why we’re so proud and honoured to be working with Homewards and His Royal Highness” and “We will continue to do everything we can as a business to tackle this issue and give people new opportunities wherever we can.”

Barlett, who is a Homewards Advocate, said of joining the project that “I am hugely passionate about the positive role that local businesses can play in ending homelessness. Through my own personal experience, I have seen the impact that can be made when businesses invest in and support local communities and individuals regardless of their background or education. I look forward to utilising my platform to encourage businesses to step up and get involved.”

And it was during his stop at Pret that the Prince of Wales met former England star, Paul Gascoigne, who lives nearby. The legendary player, always called Gazza, made his way through the crowd to shake hands with the heir to the throne and chat before moving into give him a kiss on the cheek. William chatted happily with the footballer and patted his arm.

William also visited AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium to learn more about how the football club is playing its part in supporting Homewards and the local homeless population.

A roundtable discussion followed, where William and Barlett chatted with eight companies and organisations supporting Homewards in the area, including The Pret Foundation, Sunseeker International, Lush, Dorset Chamber, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, BCHA and Bournemouth and Poole College.

William posted on social media: “Breaking the cycle of homelessness, @pret’s Rising Stars programme provides people with everything they need to find and keep a job.

“Great to see that in action here today and hear how collaboration with @HomewardsUK is helping to expand it.”