Prince William reveals he’s had a secret job during the pandemic – and many will have spoken to him without realising 

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Prince William and Duchess Catherine have been doing their bit for National Volunteering week. 

• The Duke of Cambridge has revealed he’s been taking part in some volunteer work – but keeping it quiet.
• Now, he’s let slip where he’s been helping out for National Volunteer week.
• This royal news comes after Prince William revealed his bizarre trick for battling anxiety while public speaking.

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It’s been a difficult time for many of us, but one silver lining is seeing those coming forward to help those struggling within communities.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s commitment to raising awareness for mental health issues is well known, but it has been refreshing to learn that Prince William himself has taken on a more frontline role. 

View this post on Instagram

To all the incredible volunteers across the UK this #VolunteersWeek: Thank you. @giveusashoutinsta @consciousyouthuk @volunteersweek_2020 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge marked Volunteers’ Week by speaking to volunteers across the UK to thank them for the amazing support that they provide to their communities. The Duke has been volunteering for #Shout85258, the UK’s first 24/7 crisis text line, launched in 2019 by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — as one of more than 2000 Crisis Volunteers trained to support anyone, anytime, whatever their crisis may be.

A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal) on Jun 5, 2020 at 2:30pm PDT

Prince William took on the role of a support counsellor for Shout 85258 – which is a 24-hour text messaging helpline for those struggling with mental health issues – to mark Volunteers’ Week.

MORE: Prince William gives loving nod to Duchess of Cambridge during documentary

The Duke revealed that he’s been secretly volunteering during an online call with key workers. Joined by the Duchess of Cambridge, the couple celebrated the first anniversary of the service.

“I’m going to share a little secret with you guys, but I’m actually on the platform volunteering,” he told them. 

The Shout helpline was developed by the Cambridges’ Royal Foundation. 2,000 volunteers were trained to support those who contact the helpline via text message, working through their emotions together, offering support and empathy. 

MORE: What Prince William really thinks of the Middleton family

Since Shout was launched in  May last year, more that 33,000 text conversations have taken place, with around 65% of those texting in aged under 25, as reported by The Guardian.

The Duchess of Cambridge has also been volunteering this past week, taking part in the Royal Voluntary Service’s NHS volunteer responders scheme with ‘check in and chat calls’ with those self-isolating or vulnerable.

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The Duke of Cambridge spoke with some of the incredible staff that built NHS @NightingaleBham, ahead of its official opening today. Building NHS Nightingale Birmingham, a hospital constructed in just eight days in response to the #COVID19 outbreak, has been a truly herculean effort. The hospital will have a workforce of doctors, nurses, therapists and support staff to provide beds for general medical #Coronavirus patients — take a look at our earlier post to see The Duke officially open the hospital.

A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@kensingtonroyal) on Apr 16, 2020 at 10:01am PDT

The Duke and Duchess’s volunteering efforts are virtual – for now. But can we expect these to become physical after lockdown is lifted?