Prince William takes Aberdeen walking tour to highlight homelessness
Prince William has been on a walking tour of Aberdeen with a homeless-friendly employer now working in the city.The Prince of Wales - who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland - launched his Homewards project in 2023.It aims to eradicate homelessness, and is supporting Invisible Cities Aberdeen, a social enterprise offering walking tours guided by people who have experienced homelessness.Prince William spent about half-an-hour on the streets of Aberdeen, and was photographed against a backdrop of a large seagull street art piece.
He walked from a reception with young people starting on the employment ladder to an event celebrating the work of Invisible Cities.Prince William sat and discussed job prospects with young people.After some told him they had been looking for work for up to two years, he replied: "I think things are pretty demoralising having waited so long and keep getting rejected, that's going to get you down."
Homewards is a five-year campaign aimed at ending homelessness in the UK.The prince has previously said homelessness should not exist in a "modern and progressive society".
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South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
How many people are registered homeless in Newport?
'Unprecedented' housing pressures are placing more people in Newport at risk of homelessness. The city council said it has made progress in tackling homelessness in the past year – halving the number of people sleeping rough and helping move more families from temporary accommodation to a more stable home. Meanwhile, initiatives such as Homewards, set up by Prince William, have brought organisations and charities together to take a more holistic approach to the issue and bring 'everyone around the table'. Despite these optimistic signs, senior councillors have warned that demand for properties in Wales' fastest-growing city far outstrips supply, and more homes must be built. In a call for compassion and better understanding of the issue, they also said enduring stereotypes around homelessness must also be changed. 'There is a perception that homelessness is only about rough-sleeping or experienced by people due to their life choices, and we need to challenge this narrative,' said Cllr Saeed Adan, the cabinet member for housing. Debt, domestic violence and abuse, relationship breakdowns, and landlords deciding to sell rental properties are all common reasons the council hears from people worried about losing their homes. Another major factor is 'ridiculous' private rental prices, added Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, who leads the local authority. Prince William five-year programme Homewards in Newport 'Most people who are in the private rental sector are paying more than you would pay for a mortgage on a monthly repayment,' he said. 'That's not just a Newport issue, but Newport's experiencing a particular problem because of its population growth. Demand is high.' The most recent census found Newport's population had increased by 9.5% over a decade to nearly 160,000 in 2021 – the greatest increase in Wales. Nationally, the Welsh population grew by 1.4% over the same period. The city council is currently preparing a new Local Development Plan – an overarching blueprint for new building – and regional discussions on housing strategy are in the 'embryonic stages', explained Cllr Batrouni. He said 'the real kicker' is more private rental supply homes, for which Newport realistically requires 'a huge amount of supply'. Beyond demand for housing, the financial strain on many residents is a huge burden which leads to homelessness worries and dangers. 'People are working two, three jobs and they're still struggling,' said Cllr Batrouni. 'People are working their arses off. They're doing the right thing, they're paying everything and then one job goes wrong and suddenly they can't afford anything.' This is the reality for many people who seek the council's help, and is far from accusations that someone facing homelessness must be 'lazy', the leader added. 'Some people might have personally made terrible decisions that meant they've ended up on the streets, but some might not have,' he said. 'You can never guarantee you will not find yourself in that situation. Life is very, very harsh and unduly unfair.' Among Newport's improving homelessness figures is a 'roughly 50% drop' in couples with children requiring temporary accommodation. Cllr Batrouni says families have been prioritised to not just help children now, but also to try and 'break the cycle' of young people who have disrupted childhoods later becoming at risk of homelessness when they are older. Prince of Wales wants project to end homelessness ... 'We have people on the streets who predominantly have had trauma in childhood,' he explains. 'All the evidence seems to suggest that children who experienced an unstable life continue that – if you really want to break the pattern, you reduce [trauma] as much as you can early on. 'If we get this right, this won't be a conversation in 15 to 20 years' time as they become adults. And that surely is the goal.' While many families have been moved on from temporary accommodation, there remains concern around the number of individual adults still waiting for a home, seemingly stuck in the system due to a lack of available housing. Currently, the council believes more than 700 new one-bedroom homes are needed to keep up with demand. Cllr Batrouni admits the council 'has got to deal with the here and now', but must also 'get better at the predictive part' of planning policies, so the city is better prepared for the housing demand of the future. One type of property that generally caters to individual adults is the HMO (house in multiple occupation), but these all too often prove controversial among neighbours who fear they pile pressure on local services and can attract problem behaviour. Cllr Adan said Newport will soon receive a bespoke 'HMO study' which reviews current rules around overconcentrations of those properties – and which councillors frequently hear are too relaxed. 'What we'll be looking at is a measurable way of controlling HMOs through the development management process, so it doesn't impact those areas that are significantly affected,' he said. 'What we don't want to cause is any inequality. We're hoping that on the back of this new study that we receive, that we change the rules.'
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Billionaire entrepreneur and pal of Prince William dies after swallowing bee during polo game
A 'visionary' leader who ran a global car parts firm and was pals with Prince William has died after suffering a fatal heart attack triggered by a bee sting. Sunjay Kapur, 53, the billionaire chairman of Sona Comstar, collapsed after swallowing the insect during a polo game in England in front of horrified teammates. It's believed the Indian-born entrepreneur went in to anaphylactic shock after swallowing the bee and being stung in the mouth. Bee sting: Tributes have been paid to the businessman who died on Thursday It happened at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, west of London. Kapur had hours earlier paid tribute online to the victims of Thursday's Air India plane crash. He posted: 'Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. 'My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour.' In a statement, Sona Comstar said: 'We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our Chairman, Mr Sunjay Kapur. 'He was a visionary leader whose passion, insight and dedication shaped the identity and success of our company.' Author and actor Suhel Seth posted on X: 'Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur: he passed away earlier today in England. 'A terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues.' Kapur's former wife, Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, has previously spoken in interviews about him playing polo with the Prince of Wales. The University of Buckingham graduate was married to Priya Sachdev Kapur, a former model and entrepreneur with whom he had a son named Azarias Kapur born in 2018. Kapur died as his Aureus team was playing in a semi-final match in the Cartier Queen's Cup against Sujan Indian Tigers. The match started at 3pm on Thursday at the club's Smith's Lawn grounds. The club is closely associated with the British royal family. Prince Philip was the club's president from its founding in January 1955 until his death in April 2021 - holding the role for 66 years. King Charles became the club's new president last year. In a statement the club said its chairman Lieutenant Colonel Sean O'Dwyer along with 'directors and members' were 'shocked to learn that Sunjay Kapur, owner of the Aureus polo team, died after becoming unwell when playing in a match at Smith's Lawn.' The statement added: 'The club sends its deepest condolences to his widow, Priya Sachdev, his children, the wider Kapur family and his Aureus teammates.' The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), the sports governing body in the UK, said: 'The HPA is enormously sad to confirm that Sunjay Kapur, patron of the Aureus Polo Team, passed away during a match at Guards on Thursday, 12 June. 'The incident was not playing-related and no further details will be released at this time. 'As the governing body, the HPA are supporting those involved and our thoughts are with Sunjay's wife Priya, his family, and the team at this time, and we kindly request that their privacy is respected.' Following news of his death, Ashoka University, in the Indian capital New Delhi, posted online: 'Ashoka University mourns the passing away of Sunjay Kapur, Chairman, Sona Comstar and a valued member of the Ashoka fraternity. 'A prominent figure in India's business community, he will be remembered for his leadership. 'Our deepest sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.' And the Doon School in India - hailed as the country's equivalent to Eton - said it was 'deeply saddened' by the death of one of its former pupils. A statement shared online described Kapur as 'a passionate fitness and sport enthusiast and a learner for life' who 'worked to make polo more accessible beyond its traditional roots.' The school added: 'Mr Kapur's enduring commitment to excellence, service, and community leaves a lasting legacy. 'The Doon School family extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace.' Kapur has been described as a regular on the polo circuit favored by the royal family. His global automotive company Sona Comsta, with operations across India, the U.S., China, Mexico and Serbia, provides key electric vehicle industry supplies. Kapur's other positions included being president of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and co-chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry's Manufacturing Council. The Guards Club has been described as 'the most prestigious polo club in the world,' and members of the royal family including King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry have frequently played there. It was originally named the Household Brigade Polo Club and British Army officers of the Household Division regiments were traditionally exempt from paying its joining fee, which today stands at roughly $60,000 It changed its name in 1969 then became 'a fully civilian club' in 2000 and is now the largest polo club in Europe in terms of membership and number of grounds. The club hosts around 600 games a year with its season starting in April each year and finishing in mid September.
Metro
13-06-2025
- Metro
Billionaire who played polo with Prince William dies 'after swallowing bee'
A billionaire businessman said to have played polo with Prince William has died after reportedly swallowing a bee during a match. Sunjay Kapur, 53, the Indian chairman of global car parts giant Sona Comstar, collapsed while playing in a polo tournament in the UK yesterday. Indian media reports suggest he was stung in the mouth while riding his horse, triggering an allergic reaction that led to a fatal heart attack. Mr Kapur, who studied business at a univeristy in London, regularly competed in polo events and frequently appeared in the spotlight in INdia while married to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor. During divorce proceedings in 2016, Ms Kapoor said Mr Kapur had played polo with Prince William, suggesting he had prioritised his sporting ambitions over her. Mr Kapur is survived by two children from the marriage, his current wife, Priya Sachdev and their son, who is 7 or 8. The Doon School, the private boarding school Mr Kapur attended in India, paid tribute to Mr Kapur as a 'distinguished' alumnus. More Trending It said: 'Educated in India, the UK, and the US, he was a passionate entrepreneur and the first Indian Global Chairman of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. 'A passionate fitness and sport enthusiast and a learner for life, he worked to make polo more accessible beyond its traditional roots. 'Mr Kapur's enduring commitment to excellence, service, and community leaves a lasting legacy.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: British family killed in Air India crash sent one final selfie to waiting relatives MORE: Passenger on Air India plane before it crashed shares video showing worrying defects MORE: Sole survivor reveals what happened in final seconds before Air India plane crashed
