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Prince inspires creativity at London youth hub

News imagePA Media The Prince of Wales taking part in a roundtable discussion during a visit to BBC Children In Need's We Move FWD programme at the Ubele Initiative in the Wolves Lane Centre, north LondonPA Media
Prince William met teenagers involved in projects funded by BBC Children in Need's We Move FWD programme

The Prince of Wales has inspired young photographers to champion their creativity after viewing their work during a visit to a north London community hub.

Prince William spent the morning at the Ubele Initiative in Wood Green, north London, meeting teenagers involved in projects funded by BBC Children in Need's We Move FWD programme.

Among them were Jeremiah, 16, and Elijah, 14, members of the Society for the Advancement of Black Arts (SABA), who showed the prince an exhibition of their photography.

"It was a blessing truly. It was so crazy when he came and I saw him, it was like, damn he's the prince," said Elijah after the visit.

"Getting his opinions on photography and art itself, it was really beautiful to see.

"You don't have many famous people coming here and (for) the future king to come and see us and see art that we have done... it's truly inspiring.

"When you see big people like that interested... you want to push yourself further, think: how can I break boundaries?"

News imagePA The Prince of Wales and Big Zuu in one of the greenhousesPA
TV presenter Big Zuu said the prince's visit signalled that "maybe we are being heard by the elite"

Jeremiah said: "That art has worth to it, it has value.

"It will definitely be a memorable experience. The prince coming to see it is something that should be valued and thought of all the time for years to come."

The prince later joined a roundtable discussion on career opportunities for young black people, asking those present about the barriers they face.

News imagePA From left, Paulette Henry from Black Rootz, the Prince of Wales and Big Zuu with young people from the Humber All Nations AlliancePA
The prince also met a small group of young people who are part of the Humber All Nations Alliance youth club, based in Hull and the Humber

TV presenter Big Zuu, who took part, said the prince's presence signalled that "maybe we are being heard by the elite".

He added: "Him being engaged doesn't mean he will fix everything overnight, but at least we've got his ear."

We Move FWD is a 10-year commitment by BBC Children in Need, delivered in collaboration with BBC Radio 1Xtra, to create opportunities for black children and young people across the UK.

During the visit, the prince also met a small group of young people who are part of the Humber All Nations Alliance youth club, based in Hull and the Humber, and who spend time gardening with the community hub.

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