The Prince of Wales recently participated in selling copies of The Big Issue at a Tesco store in west London. Sporting the distinct red waistcoat and cap worn by the magazine’s vendors, who often face homelessness or long-term unemployment, William was seen at the Hammersmith superstore alongside Big Issue seller Dave Martin.
During his time there, he graciously paused to take photographs with pleasantly surprised members of the public. One onlooker, Nayara Freitas, expressed feeling “butterflies in her stomach” upon spotting the prince, having been informed by a colleague of his presence at the store. She recounted her excitement, recognising him as Princess Diana’s son and appreciating his interaction with everyone.
“He was obviously there doing the Big Issue magazine. I asked for a magazine and a picture with them both, and William responded warmly, ‘Of course you can. How are you?'” mentioned the 39-year-old. She praised his kindness, mentioning instances where he engaged with people, even video-calling someone’s relative upon request. Freitas noted William’s willingness to embrace those who asked, describing him as a genuine gentleman.
This act of selling The Big Issue isn’t new to the prince; he has previously joined sellers of the publication. He also highlighted last year that his dedication to supporting homelessness charities stems from a childhood visit to a shelter with his mother.
