Prince William Credits Mom Princess Diana For Shining A Light On Homelessness In New Essay

Prince William penned a new essay about homelessness and credited his late mother, Princess Diana, for exposing him to the often-overlooked problem.

"I was 11 when I first visited a homeless shelter with my mother, who in her own inimitable style was determined to shine a light on an overlooked, misunderstood problem," the Duke of Cambridge wrote.

The future king was photographed selling Big Issue magazine, and his photos went viral on Twitter. Prince William acknowledged Big Issue for "offering people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine to the public" and offering solutions to homelessness as more people have been living on the streets.

" In the 30-odd years since, I've seen countless projects in this space grow from strength to strength, including charities of which I have had the honor of being Patron. New initiatives have been launched up and down the country – some have worked, some have not," he continued. "But The Big Issue, perhaps now the most immediately recognizable of these organizations, has undeniably had an impact. Its social business model has provided a means of making a living to 105,000 vendors who have earned over £144 million."

Prince William observed that despite the progress, "homelessness is still seen by many as some entrenched phenomenon over which we have little power." He refused to believe it because for him, "it is an issue that can be solved." However, it requires "continued focus and comprehensive support network."

Kate Middleton's husband spoke about his time selling magazines and said people recognized him and gave him their time of the day. However, Big Issue vendors barely received second glances from the passers-by and were often ignored.

The royal had the chance to work with Dave Martin, a hardworking, funny and joyful man. According to Prince William, The Big Issue offered Dave an outlet to earn a living and regain his self-respect, so he urged the public to support him and the others who sell the magazine because "he can only succeed if we recognize him, we see him and we support him."

"With that small act of kindness, you've made a difference. And I hope you continue to do that while encouraging those around you to do the same in the future – to see the person behind the red tabard, or the cardboard sign, or the empty cup," Prince William added.

The second in line to the throne planned to follow his mother's example by bringing his and Middleton's children — Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louise, 4 —to see the inspiring organizations that support those who are in need.

Prince William also shared clips and photos of him selling magazines on Twitter.

In the caption, he included a portion of his essay that read, "I have always believed in using my platform to help bring attention and action to those who are struggling, and I commit to doing what I can to shine a spotlight on this solvable issue not just today, but in the months and years to come."

Lord John Bird, the founder of The Big Issue, said in a statement that he shared with the Duke of Cambridge his story and how he started the publication. He was homeless and got out of grief by being imprisoned. He wanted to help millions of people in the U.K. come out of poverty and not just support them and offer emergency relief.

Prince William's involvement in helping sell The Big Issue "puts our vendors and their sterling work in the public eye again," Bird said, as per People. "Anyone can sell The Big Issue, even a Prince!"