Touching moment Prince William hugs emotional man during Scotland visit

Prince William ripped up the royal rulebook by ditching formality and sharing a heartwarming embrace with an emotional royal fan during his visit to Scotland yesterday. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge warmly greeted royal fans in Kennishead, Glasgow as they embarked on the first of their two-day tour of the country yesterday. 

During their visit the couple visited the Wheatley Group site, to see first-hand how they are transforming the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people, including those at risk of homelessness. 

As they greeted local residents after the visit, William, 39, shared an affectionate hug with local man William Burns, 66, who was overcome with emotion as he embraced the future king. 

Prince William was seen sharing a heartwarming embrace with an emotional man as he heard about the challenges of homelessness in Scotland

As they greeted local residents, William, 39, shared an affectionate hug with local man William Burns, 66, who was overcome with emotion as he embraced the future king

As they greeted local residents, William, 39, shared an affectionate hug with local man William Burns, 66, who was overcome with emotion as he embraced the future king

Wheatley Homes is Scotland’s leading housing, care and property-management group aiming to tackle homelessness and support vulnerable tenants during the cost of living crisis. 

During their visit the royal couple met Wheatley Homes Glasgow tenant Joanne Wales, 31, who opened the front door of her new-build home to welcome Their Royal Highnesses.

Inside they met son Jason, four, and heard from Joanne how the energy-efficient house design is helping reduce her energy bills.

Joanne said: ‘With four young kids then energy bills is a big concern. There’s always a need for a new pair of shoes or new clothes. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton posed for selfies with locals during their visit to the Wheatley Group site in Kennishead in Glasgow

Prince William and Kate Middleton posed for selfies with locals during their visit to the Wheatley Group site in Kennishead in Glasgow

The Duchess of Cambridge looks delighted as she meets members of the public during a visit to the Wheatley Group in Glasgow

Duchess of Cambridge meets members of the public during a visit to the Wheatley Group in Glasgow, to hear about the challenges of homelessness in Scotland

The Duchess of Cambridge looks delighted as she meets members of the public during a visit to the Wheatley Group in Glasgow

Perfecting his selfie pout! the Duke appeared in high spirits as he leaned in for a snap with a member of the public in Glasgow

Perfecting his selfie pout! the Duke appeared in high spirits as he leaned in for a snap with a member of the public in Glasgow 

Strike a pose! Kate looked delighted as she waved to cameras during the visit to the Wheatley Group in the Scottish city yesterday

Kate is pictured yesterday

Strike a pose! Kate looked delighted as she waved to cameras during the visit to the Wheatley Group in the Scottish city yesterday before putting on an animated display with crowds

‘I had a meeting with the energy advice team and they gave me great tips on how to use my electricity to keep my bills low. I don’t need to put the heating on as much during the day in my new home. It’s made a big difference.’

The Duke and Duchess were met in Kennishead by John MacLeod, Glasgow Deputy Lieutenant, accompanied by his wife, Mariella McLeod. 

They were introduced to Wheatley Group Chief Executive Martin Armstrong, Wheatley Group Chair Jo Armstrong and Bernadette Hewitt, the tenant Chair of Wheatley Homes Glasgow. 

Wheatley Group Chair Jo Armstrong said: ‘We were delighted to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and show them how Wheatley Group is ‘Making Homes and Lives Better’.

‘They were very interested in the work of our Foundation, about how Wheatley is giving young people the best start in life and also how we are creating new job and training opportunities so customers can reach their full potential. 

The mother-of-three was elegant in a tonal outfit for the engagements in Glasgow yesterday, pairing a cornflower blue blouse with smart navy trousers

The mother-of-three was elegant in a tonal outfit for the engagements in Glasgow yesterday, pairing a cornflower blue blouse with smart navy trousers 

Goofing around! Prince William didn't hold back while playfully chatting to the toddler yesterday during his visit to Glasgow

Goofing around! Prince William didn't hold back while playfully chatting to the toddler yesterday during his visit to Glasgow

Goofing around! Prince William didn’t hold back while playfully chatting to the toddler yesterday during his visit to Glasgow 

A very royal play-date! Prince William appeared charmed by little Olivia during the visit to Wheatley Homes Glasgow yesterday

A very royal play-date! Prince William appeared charmed by little Olivia during the visit to Wheatley Homes Glasgow yesterday

And it wasn't long before Kate joined in with Prince William to help out with the youngster, who was wearing a pink outfit for the occasion

The two-year-old appeared non-plussed with the royal visitors

And it wasn’t long before Kate joined in with Prince William to help out with the youngster, who was wearing a pink outfit for the occasion

The Duke and Duchess helped two-year-old Olivia up after she tumbled to the ground during their visit yesterday  (pictured)

The Duke and Duchess helped two-year-old Olivia up after she tumbled to the ground during their visit yesterday  (pictured) 

‘We also explained how Wheatley is playing a key role across Scotland in tackling homelessness and giving people a home of their own.’

The Duke of Cambridge is a long-standing campaigner for the homeless and is patron of Centrepoint, which helps homeless young people get back into education, training and employment. 

The charity was William’s first patronage and the royal took over the role from his late mother Princess Diana. 

In 2009, the Duke decided to spend the night rough sleeping in order to understand the plight of the homeless at Christmas, staying out in temperatures as low as minus 4c in an alleyway near Blackfriars bridge. 

The Prince said afterwards that the experience had helped to deepen his understanding of life on the streets, calling the charity’s work ‘desperately important’.  

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