UK’s Prince William reveals he’s been a helpline volunteer during coronavirus lockdown

Britain’s Prince William has revealed that he has been anonymously helping out on a crisis helpline during the coronavirus lockdown. (File/AP)
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Updated 06 June 2020
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UK’s Prince William reveals he’s been a helpline volunteer during coronavirus lockdown

  • William is one of more than 2,000 volunteers who have been formally trained to help those in need
  • More than 300,000 text conversations have taken place between volunteers and people needing mental health support

LONDON: Britain’s Prince William has revealed that he has been anonymously helping out on a crisis helpline during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Duke of Cambridge’s work with Shout 85258 — an around-the-clock text messaging helpline developed by the Royal Foundation — was made public to mark Volunteers Week.

Last month, he told fellow volunteers in a video call that was shared on social media late Friday: “I’m going to share a little secret with you guys, but I’m actually on the platform volunteering.”
William, who is second in line to the throne, is one of more than 2,000 volunteers who have been formally trained to help those in need.
More than 300,000 text conversations have taken place between volunteers and people needing mental health support, with around 65% of those texting aged under 25.
William’s wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, has also been helping others by taking part in “check in and chat” calls with people self-isolating or vulnerable during the pandemic.


EU warns against Trump’s tariffs threat over Greenland

Updated 17 January 2026
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EU warns against Trump’s tariffs threat over Greenland

  • “Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” they wrote
  • “Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty“

BRUSSELS: European Union leaders on Saturday warned against US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European countries until he has achieved his purchase of Greenland.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, issued the joint statement hours after Trump threatened multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent.


“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” they wrote in a post on social media.
“Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” they added.
The statement came days after Danish and Greenlandic officials held talks in Washington over Trump’s bid to acquire the territory, without reaching agreement.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland,” said the EU statement.
“Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.”