Prince William has said it’s “terrifying” that children as young as 13 are at risk of becoming homeless. 

He made the comments during a visit to Depaul UK, a charity that supports homeless young people.

Talking to staff in London, he asked what age they saw people being at risk of homelessness and was told children as young as 13 had already suffered relationship breakdowns at home.

“It starts so young, that’s terrifying,” the prince replied.

One of the organisation’s clients told Prince William that the charity “saved my life” after falling into substance abuse and debt.

William was exposed to homelessness from a young age, with his mother taking him and Harry to meet rough sleepers.

He’s now patron of homelessness charities Centrepoint and The Passage and last summer became the cover star of the Big Issue after he joined a seller on the streets of London.

While William visited the charity, Kate was at Hampton Court Palace to host a reception for England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league team.

She took over as patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union from Prince Harry when he stood down as a working royal.

Kate met members of the squad and coaching team to talk about their victory in November’s tournament – the first time England had won since 2008.

England narrowly defeated reigning champions France 28-24 in the final thanks to a late try by captain Tom Halliwell.

Kate said she, William and their three children watched the action on TV, and that Louis was especially keen on the sport.

“We’re always slightly competitive with each other,” she said. “They all love sport and Louis is mad about rugby. They are at an age where they just love running around.”

She added: “I do it all: whenever I can squeeze in exercise I do, even jumping on the trampoline with the children before school.”

The princess revealed in a visit to England’s senior rugby teams in February last year that Louis was “kamikaze” when he plays the sport, while Prince George also enjoys it.

“They’re all enjoying it,” she said. “Louis is kamikaze, we’re worrying about when he gets older, he’ll be in the middle of everything.”

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