As part of BBC’s show “DIY SOS”, which aims to renovate and refurbish homes for struggling veterans in Manchester, Prince William and Prince Harry rolled up their sleeves to help those in need.
The show is going above and beyond the dilapidated homes they are used to building, and will aim to reinvigorate eight empty homes and restore up to 62 existing properties, according to the BBC.
26 of these homes will be reserved for veterans – a cause both William and Harry could get behind easily.
The royal brothers, who are both veterans themselves, took to the tools with great ease, donning hard hats and assisting to get the project off the ground.
William started in the kitchen, painting walls and helping with rendering, whilst Harry took to the outside to lay pavers and get ahead on the garden.
The pair were joined by over 240 volunteers and builders who are working to provide practical, safe and beautiful homes for these most deserving people.
Harry and William also had the chance to meet one of the veterans they would be helping.
Lamin Manneh, who was profiled by the BBC, recalled his harrowing story, of never being able to read to his five children at bedtime because he couldn’t climb the stars in his house.
The boys have been helping Manneh and many others like him to return to a normal life following their dutiful and costly service.
The project will also be followed by the construction of a support centre that will assist veterans who have returned from service with physical or mental health issues.
With over 9000 veterans reportedly homeless in London, this initiative is a stepping stone in helping struggling veterans to reintegrate into society.
The pair will continue working with the organisation, to bring continued awareness to the important issue.
“As the memory of conflicts fade and public focus beings to move elsewhere, both The Duke and Prince Harry will continue to draw attention to the ongoing challenges facing service personnel making the transition to civilian life,” their spokesperson said in a statement.
