This Morning viewers had mixed feelings about Gyles Brandreth coming to Prince William’s defence on the ITV show.
On Tuesday (June 21) the former politician and Celebrity Gogglebox star returned to the ITV daytime show with Holly and Phillip, where he discussed the latest news headlines in the This Morning’s View segment with Beverly Turner.
When discussing the biggest news stories today, a topic regarding the Duke of Edinburgh sprang up into conversation, as he celebrated his 40th birthday.
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As a result, pictures of Prince William were released, who became a magazine seller alongside a long-term Big Issue seller.
Photographed with his arm on the shoulder of Dave Martin, Big Issue’s veteran vendor, Prince William was shown by Martin, 60, how to sell the magazine that provides an income to the homeless.
Also penning an article to discuss his experience under the guidance of Dave, the duke described his time as “eye-opening”.
He went on to write that he “always believed” in using his platform to “bring attention and action to those who are struggling” and “to shine a spotlight on this solvable issue not just today, but in the months and years to come."
During his formative years, Prince William had been taken to homeless shelters alongside brother Prince Harry by his late mother Princess Diana and has since stated that homelessness is an issue he particularly cares about.
On This Morning, when touching upon the topic of Prince William’s stint as an undercover seller for his milestone birthday, Beverly stated: “It's a bit ironic to have [Prince William] who could house all the homeless in London in Buckingham Palace alone promoting The Big Issue." She then added: "I don’t mean that to sound anti-royalist."
However host Holly Willoughby, 41, hit back: "But he’s using his platform for something really important."
Gyles chimed in to say: "What are you offering instead?" to which Beverly admittedly confessed: "I don’t know.”
She continued: “I don’t do the royal PR, it would take a lot longer to sit down and [think of a charity].
"But there are charities, there are cancer charities. I just think it’s a really strange charity to align yourself to when you have dozens of houses."
Gyles disagreed with Beverly’s comment by stating: "I think it’s a great choice because people who sell The Big Issue have to pay for the magazine first…"
Beverly interjected: “It’s a great charity don’t get me wrong” to which Gyles responded with: "It’s a great charity to support and I think he’s a good guy for supporting it."
However, Beverly stayed firm in her stance, by claiming: "I think it’s a strange choice of charity, when we think of Prince William we think of massive houses," as Gyles retorted: "Oh come on you can’t have it both ways."
Beverly then said: "Maybe I’ve reached peak cynicism. I'd rather have this than a staged photo with the family but..."
Gyles interrupted Beverly by and keep questioning her on what she would have had William do instead by firing back: "Hold on you can’t have it both ways, you can’t sit there for 10 minutes and say, ‘Let’s care for individuals and the working person’ and then when someone does care for individuals criticise them just because he’s a Prince."
He added: "It’s not his fault [the way] the whole system is run and they live [in a Palace],"
Beverly replied: "Don’t get me wrong, I like Prince William. I think him and Kate – the Royal Family - are in very safe hands."
While the debate seemed slightly heated, Gyles ended the conversation on a rather comical note when he pointed out: "I know what my wife would have liked one with him 20 years ago when there was hair," which was in reference to the photo used to mark William's 40th.
On Twitter, many viewers expressed their opinions regarding the argument on This Morning, which caused much division.
One user angrily wrote: “@ITV @ThisMorning are ITV daytime shows now admitting they are a Royal PR platform? Why does Gyles think he can SILENCE somebody saying #Williamat40's choice of a homeless charity THE BIG ISSUE sends the wrong msg FROM someone with 4 palatial homes? It's FAIR criticism! Why not give £”
Another user agreed by tweeting: “Shut up and let Beverly finish, Gyles. She's absolutely spot on here. Prince William could fund homes for all the homeless and still be no worse off. Sick of PR stunts. @thismorning #thismorning”
Meanwhile there were others who supported the other end of the argument as a user tweeted: “Oh for god’s sake Beverley, Prince William learnt everything he needs to know about charities from his mother. She would be delighted he was out there selling The Big Issue which supports homeless people. Give him a bloody break!! #ThisMorning."
Meanwhile a second added: “Tbf William can support whichever charity he wants - we all can. It is a bit ironic when he has at least 3 homes - but it’s a bit wrong to say one charity is better than another #thismorning."
