A speech by Prince William at the exhibition A Positive View 2010, Somerset House, London
Published
Just a few yards from this magnificent auction house, there will be people preparing for a night on the streets.
I am so honoured to be here tonight as Patron of A Positive View 2010, supporting Crisis. Homelessness is something I feel very deeply about.
The problem is all around us; just a few yards from this magnificent auction house, there will be people preparing for a night on the streets.
People not so dissimilar from you and me tonight, just with their dreams and aspirations, for reasons often beyond their control, now eclipsed by fear and anxiety, robbing them of hope. It is organisations like Crisis that pick up the pieces of broken lives, giving homeless people the confidence to start over again by restoring hope. And this is what is so remarkable about this exhibition, A Positive View.
Much of what you see on the walls around you, is the polished work of world famous photographers. It may just be me, though, but I think there are some new stars emerging here too. But seriously, the work of the Crisis clients which you can see next door really is phenomenal, especially if you think that all this brilliance comes from a standing start. But, what role models to follow! I would just like to thank all the marvellous photographers, who have so generously donated their art to be auctioned here tonight – it really is a wonderful gesture.
You might also have noticed another piece of work here by two lesser known photographers – one of whom I suspect will go on to have a more eminent career in photography than the other! Well done Jeff – I know when I’m beaten. Jeff, it was such fun working with you under the master – thanks, Rankin…especially for the mop of black hair!
Whilst I’m sure that many of you are here, quite understandably, principally for the fantastic photography, I do hope that the exhibition has also shone a spotlight on homelessness, and particularly on the life-changing work of Crisis. I wish you all a very enjoyable evening, and I would encourage you to participate generously in the auction.
Related content
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Scotland

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visited the Foundling Museum


A speech by The Duke of Cambridge the Centrepoint 50th Anniversary Gala
It might seem an odd thing to say at a milestone event such as this, but I hope that Centrepoint will not need to be around in another 50 years.
The Duke of Cambridge marks 50 years of Centrepoint

The King's Cup




The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the launch of the Centrepoint Awards
The impact of homelesseness is not temporary.
Investitures

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Jewish Care's 25th Anniversary Dinner
Your commitment and loyalty to one another, and to society more widely, is ultimately what keeps you strong.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Donald Dewar Leisure Centre, Glasgow
Glasgow is a city with a great buzz and enormous optimism.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to visit Copenhagen to view Emergency Distribution effort for East Africa
The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry to play in the Sentebale Polo Cup
A speech by Prince William at Trearddur Bay lifeboat station, Anglesey
God speed you in your dangerous, gallant work.
An article by Prince William for the Street News Service
But the effect of homelessness is the same for everyone: a crushing sense of hopelessness and despair.
A speech by Prince William at the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala Event
A fire alarm had thrown us together. Either that or Fate.
A speech by Prince William to mark 40 years of the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint
It is for them that Centrepoint represents the difference between misery and dejection and a sense of hope and renewed self confidence.
A speech by Prince William at the launch of Centrepoint's 40th anniversary year
Our visits with our mother ignited a deep and growing interest for the great work the charity does for the homeless.