Prince William gives sweet praise to Kate Middleton and issues warning

During a visit to the opening of the WEST Youth Zone in White City, London, Prince William praised the importance of reducing mobile phone use and highlighted the value of engaging in real-world activities. Speaking to a group of youngsters, he emphasized that both children and adults are guilty of spending too much time on their phones, stating, “We have got to be better at it.” His message resonated with the young people, who admitted to scrolling on their phones for extended periods. William’s visit to the youth center focused on encouraging young people to engage in non-screen-based activities, fostering personal growth and development.

While at the youth club, Prince William participated in various hands-on activities, including shooting basketball hoops, icing biscuits, and visiting several rooms within the facility. He humorously admitted that his wife, Princess Kate, is the “arty one” of the family, as he decorated a biscuit with the word “WEST,” the name of the center. His visit took place while Kate was at home recovering from abdominal surgery. Sources clarified that the engagement was always meant to be solo, unrelated to recent controversy over a digitally enhanced family photo.

The WEST Youth Zone, which stands for “Where Everyone Sticks Together,” serves children and teenagers aged eight to 19 in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The center offers an array of facilities, including a sports hall, fitness suite, indoor climbing wall, teaching kitchen, performing arts studio, and a café providing nutritious meals for just £1. Prince William was deeply impressed with the initiative, congratulating civic leaders and youth workers for their efforts in bringing the center to life. He described the project as “incredible,” noting that it provides a safe, fun, and educational space for young people to thrive.

William’s visit was filled with moments of interaction, as he met with children, teenagers, and staff. At one point, he asked the young people how much time they spent on their phones daily. After hearing that some spent as much as 15 hours a day on their devices, he responded, “I bet you feel better coming here, not on your phone.” He praised the youth club for offering a space where young people could complete their homework, engage in extracurricular activities, and spend their evenings productively. William also took the opportunity to encourage the youngsters to ask questions and seek guidance from the staff, emphasizing that the center was a supportive environment for personal development.

The Prince demonstrated his interest in sports during the visit, taking part in basketball and visiting a state-of-the-art gym where he observed children practicing exercises like chin-ups. Engaging with the young athletes, he joked with them about their strength and asked which sports they preferred, sparking a discussion about football. He even offered his opinion on the Premier League, mentioning that it was going to be a “close run” in the competition.

Throughout the visit, Prince William maintained a lighthearted and approachable demeanor, taking time to shake hands, chat with the children, and learn about their interests. He played a quick game of pool, cheered on his young opponents, and even took a selfie with one excited fan. In a conversation with teenagers during a biscuit-icing session, he revealed that his daughter Charlotte loves ballet, sharing a glimpse of his own family life.

As his visit progressed, William continued to stress the importance of balancing mobile phone use with real-world experiences. He encouraged the children to be mindful of the time spent on their phones, reminding them that everyone, including adults, could benefit from cutting back on screen time. His advocacy for reducing phone usage was in line with the broader mission of the youth center, which aims to empower young people by providing them with opportunities to develop essential life skills.

WEST Youth Zone, developed by the national charity OnSide, is part of a network of 14 youth centers across the country, with seven more set to open. The organization’s mission is to help young people lead positive, fulfilling lives by offering them a space to grow, learn, and connect. Prince William and Princess Kate had previously visited another OnSide facility in Wolverhampton, demonstrating their ongoing support for initiatives that benefit young people.

As the visit came to an end, Prince William watched as a 12-year-old named Yaya, part of the project’s youth development team, unveiled the center’s commemorative plaque. Rather than doing it himself, the Prince applauded Yaya’s role in the ceremony. Before leaving, he made sure to shake hands with everyone he had met earlier in the day, demonstrating his appreciation for the people who had made the youth center possible.