In 2023, Prince William launched Homewards, a five-year-long program aiming to end homelessness in the U.K.
Two years in, the program supports Invisible Cities, a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities in the tourism sector to people experiencing homelessness.
Their goal is simple: To challenge stereotypes and provide a unique and enriching experience by having formerly homeless tour guides direct walking tours in areas across the country.
Yesterday, Prince William — who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland — helped launch Invisible Cities Aberdeen, which expands tourism services to the streets of Aberdeen, a port city in northeast Scotland.
He took the inaugural tour, led by guide Angus. The guide took him through the city’s rich history and hidden stories before concluding at Trinity Hall, where the prince met with other newly trained guides.
“We believe that doing tourism differently can create significant social impact, and today’s launch proves just that,” Zakia Moulaoui Gurey, the founder of Invisible Cities, said at the event.
“By training people with lived experience of homelessness to become guides, we are not only providing employment but also challenging perceptions and sharing the untold stories of Aberdeen.”
Aberdeen is the seventh city in the U.K. that offers Invisible Cities tours, and is also a city facing rising homelessness as it transitions from its long history as an oil and gas hub.
The prince’s visit also brought in supporters from area tourism companies, which “committed to creating long-term solutions through employment and tourism,” per a press release from Invisible Cities.
“I am thrilled that Invisible Cities is launching its tours in Aberdeen,” VisitScotland regional director David Jackson said.
“Their training is vital in helping those who have found themselves homeless to gain new skills and confidence in public speaking, customer service, and storytelling.”
Prince William’s tour guide, Angus, is a reflection of that training.
“It is a great validation and recognition of the work we do,” Angus said. “And I hope it brings much attention to us and makes us busier!”
During his visit, the Prince also met with the first resident of a Homewards housing project in Aberdeen. The Royal Foundation has made 31 properties available in Aberdeen for those at risk of homelessness, working with national businesses like IKEA and Dunelm to provide furniture and resources for residents.
“Our focus is always on impact,” a Kensington Palace spokesperson told the BBC. “What you're seeing today is Homewards moving into its delivery phase.”
The spokesperson added that Prince William “remains laser-focused” on showing “that it is possible to end homelessness.”
Homewards focuses on six key locations across the U.K.: Northern Ireland; Sheffield; Newport; Lambeth; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole; and of course, Aberdeen.
With the prince’s support, Invisible Cities will soon roll out services in the five other areas of focus.
“This partnership isn’t just about providing jobs, it’s about restoring dignity, possibility, and hope,” Homewards Advocate Steven Bartlett said in a statement.
“And if we can prove what’s possible here, we can change the way the country thinks about homelessness for good.”
Header image courtesy of Invisible Cities
