Prince William Is All Smiles as He Steps Out amid Kate Middleton Photo Controversy

Prince William is outwardly calm and carrying on with royal duties amid controversy over a Mother’s Day picture shared by his wife Kate Middleton.

On Thursday, the Prince of Wales, 41, opened a new youth zone called WEST in Hammersmith, west London, to highlight how sporting activities can help young people thrive.

The facility is run by OnSide, an organization that Prince William and Princess Kate, 42, have backed as part of their belief that physical activity can help mental wellbeing and encourage young people to thrive.

Prince William met with pupils from the local Ark White City Primary School and WEST’s Youth Development Group who were involved in planning the facilities at the new centre, which includes a sports hall, fitness area, indoor climbing wall, teaching kitchen, performance studio arts and cafe. The facilities will serve hot nutritious meals that cost no more than $1.30.

Prince William shoots a basketball during his visit to the WEST youth zone on March 14, 2024.

Frank Augstein – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day photo isn’t the only recent family snap accused of Photoshopping

He also spoke to youngsters using the four-court indoor sports hall before seeing the teaching kitchen used to support the development of cookery skills.

WEST, which stands for Where Everyone Sticks Together, is also part of an education hub for local people and is staffed by qualified and dedicated youth workers who will “support young people from across West London to develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve his dreams,” said William’s office at Kensington Palace.

Prince William cheers in the WEST Youth Zone on March 14, 2024.

Frank Augstein – WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince William’s engagement marked what royal aides will hope will be a day of public appearances as usual after days of controversy surrounding the release of a Mother’s Day picture at the palace.

Prince William continues second royal duty of the day amid Kate Middleton photo controversy

Prince William visits WEST youth zone on March 14, 2024.

AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Later on Thursday, Prince William will be the guest of honor as he joins the latest young people to receive Diana Award honors. The charity, the only one named after his late mother Princess Diana, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It was installed in 1999, two years after the princess’s death following a car accident in Paris.

As well as presenting awards to the 20 Legacy Award winners, Prince William will also deliver a speech at the glittering ceremony held at London’s Science Museum.

Prince William visits WEST youth zone on March 14, 2024.

AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Princess Kate, who is recovering from planned abdominal surgery, was last seen briefly on Monday when she was photographed in a car leaving Windsor with Prince William. She had a private appointment, PEOPLE understand. William was going to the annual Commonwealth Day service in London.

The appearance came hours after the Princess of Wales apologized for the Mother’s Day picture, which was pulled by a number of photo and news agencies over suspicions of manipulation.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to receive the latest news on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Prince William visits WEST youth zone on March 14, 2024.

AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Kate wrote in a post shared on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Like many amateur photographers, I occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to apologize for any confusion caused by the family photo we shared yesterday. I hope everyone who celebrate had a very happy Mother’s Day.”

Her apology for the photo was signed with a “C” for Catherine, indicating the personal nature of the message.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education