Britain's Prince William leaves the Emergency Management Centre at the Art Gallery in Christchurch March 17, 2011. (Photo : REUTERS/MICK TSIKAS)
In a first for any member of the British Royal family, Prince William took the opportunity to speak out against homophobic bullying at a special session on anti-bullying with school children.
The second-in-line to the British throne attended a session at the Hammersmith Academy, which discussed practical tips to overcoming issues of cyber-bullying as well as LGBT bullying with pupils, Huffington Post reported.
The sessions were part of an initiative by the staff of the Diana Award, a foundation named after Prince William's late mother. The specialist staff who are part of the scheme conduct anti-bullying workshops across the United Kingdom.
Prince William, who holds the title of the Duke of Cambridge, said during discussions with students on how each of them would deal with LGBT bullying he commented saying he would first look to "comfort" the victims and "confront" those behind any comments.
While discussing the idea of a support network for victims, Prince William said his wife, brother, father, grandmother and grandfather would be among those to whom he would turn to if bullied. The Prince's trusty dog Lupo figured last on the list as well.
During the sessions, Prince William also heard stories from youth who had been bullied, including a 17-year-old who had been bullied by an online troll urging him to commit suicide.
A Kensington Palace spokesman commented on the Prince's visit, saying the British Royal hoped that his visit will help to lift the stigma of bullying in schools. While the Prince's comments may seem insignificant to some, the ramifications critiques say, are far reaching, according to Pink News.
With Britain's Monarch heading the Commonwealth, nearly 90 percent of Commonwealth citizens remain governed by anti-gay laws. Owing to this the British royal family avoid referring to subjects relating to the LGBT community. However, critiques feel Prince William's comments are those of strong intent by a future Monarch.
It is hope by those in the LGBT community, that the young Monarch may one day "confront" ant-gay communities and leaders across the Commonwealth.
