4 weeks ago
14
IT’S easy to be cynical about royal documentaries. In fact to call some of them “documentaries” can be a stretch in itself. This one, about Prince William’s heartfelt homelessness campaign, falls midway between Phillip Schofield’s risible film about Prince Philip's carriage driving, and Ant & Dec’s cheeky efforts with the then Prince Charles about the Prince's Trust. On those occasions everyone was having a hoot.
The tone is far more serious here, as it should be, although Prince William himself is confident and relaxed in his views on the subject as he's interviewed by a Bafta-winning director on a comfortable sofa. No reason why he wouldn't be. He’s appears to be on top of his brief.
William explains in some detail over an old picture of himself, his estranged brother Prince Harry and their mother Diana, how they went to The Passage, a homeless shelter when they were still in short trousers. What an odd place to take your children, you might say.
Of course, she was preparing the boys for a life of charitable service. It paid off, mostly – although Harry very much ploughs his own farrow. William later reveals how he talks to his own children about homelessness while they're on the school run. Are they getting too old for Harry Potter audio books?
Nonetheless, if you wanted the next episode in the Royal soap opera in this film, you’ll be disappointed. The picture of Harry passes without comment, as we’re dealing with an issue the Prince William genuinely wants to solve. He’s on a mission.
We also have no reason to doubt William’s motives even though his efforts come from a position of privilege as one of the country’s biggest private landlords. But no one else, government agencies included, appeared to be actively doing anything about the homelessness situation in this film, so you come away from this documentary applauding him for his efforts. That said, in the first episode there's little conclusive detail on how successful or otherwise his projects have been. Maybe that comes in the second part on Thursday night.
In the end there's a limit to what the Royals can do, but this doesn't stop Prince William from getting involved in the granular detail together with ubiquitous visits to soup kitchens and canteens to help out.
Don't underestimate the pull of a Royal. Glimpsing the heir to the throne on such a visit is hugely welcomed by anybody involved.
The best moment? When William shoots a basket from the foul line in a community centre basketball court in Sheffield. Take that, Harry!
William is called a “super royal” in this film, and the way he's received by the public only supports that view. He appears to be loved by everyone, a man who grows in stature all the time. If his project, Homewards, manages to house only one person, it’s been worthwhile.
Now ITV, could we have a nice access documentary, At home with William and Kate? That would be something...
Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, ITV, Wednesday & Thursday, 9pm.
English (US) ·