Prince William's Act of Kindness Becomes Viral Hit

Prince William's act of kindness in a crisis has become the subject of a new viral video after footage from a 2016 royal engagement with Princess Kate has resurfaced on social media site X (formerly Twitter).

William and Kate have become the subject of increased interest since the beginning of 2024, with both royals taking time away from the public eye while the princess experienced health issues.

In January, it was announced that Kate had undergone abdominal surgery, and in March that she had begun a course of preventative chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis.

William has operated a skeleton schedule of engagements during Kate's treatment and recovery to support both her and the couple's three children: Prince George, 10; Princess Charlotte, 8; and Prince Louis, 5.

In the absence of the couple from regular duties, and with Kate's absence from public life expected to continue for some time, fans have taken to social media to reflect on highlights and important moments from past appearances over the course of their 13-year marriage.

Uploaded to X by user, @historyinmemes (better known as Historic Vids) on April 6, footage of William offering a helping hand to a dignitary who took a fall after the prince's arrival with Kate at a school in 2016 has been viewed over 12 million times in 48 hours.

In the resurfaced clip, William is seen shaking hands with the royal couple's waiting hosts as the then vice lord-lieutenant of Essex, Jonathan Douglas-Hughes, fell backwards over a bollard.

The prince swiftly offered Douglas-Hughes a helping hand, asking him if he was ok once back on his feet.

Captioned "Prince William helps fallen dignitary," the post has received in excess of 33,000 likes and over 500 comments so far, many of which have praised the prince and his moment of compassion.

"It's heartening to see acts of kindness like this," wrote one X user. "In a world where power often overshadows compassion, these gestures remind us of the importance of helping one another, no matter our status. We all have a role to play in lifting each other up."

"He is actually kind!" posed another user, with a further comment reading: "That is the human thing to do."

After the incident, both William and Kate were photographed speaking to Douglas-Hughes after their visit to the Stewards Academy school, in Harlow, just north of London, where the dignitary presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you.