The Duke of Cambridge disclosed during a visit to the American Embassy that he will be appearing in the monthly publication
The Duke of Cambridge has broken one of the last taboos. He has become the first member of the royal family to give an interview to a gay magazine.
Royal sources said even Princess Diana, an icon for the gay community, never granted any such publication the honour of an interview.
Prince William revealed on Tuesday that he will be appearing in the monthly publication, which comes out on Wednesday, June 22.
He told a member of staff during a visit to the American Embassy that he will be in the magazine, whose celebrity cover stars have previously included Gary Barlow, Daniel Radcliffe and Liam Payne.
It is understood the Duke will use the article to rail against the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youths. The prince has been campaigning against bullying of young people for some time and has made it one of his main causes.
Details of how the Duke will appear in the magazine have not been made public, but Attitude managing director Mike Buckley said: “We will have some exciting announcements to share soon.”
The Duke revealed the news as he and the Duchess of Cambridge signed a book of condolence for victims of the gay nightclub shooting in Orlando at the embassy in Westminster, central London, on Tuesday.
Lone gunman Omar Mateen, 29, left 49 people dead and dozens of others wounded in the massacre at Pulse in the Florida city on Sunday.
Before signing the book, the Duke paused for a moment to read the ambassador’s dedication as his wife stood solemnly by his side.
He wrote: “With our deepest condolences and with our thoughts and prayers to all those affected.” The Duchess signed “Catherine” beside her husband’s name.
After signing a message, the couple spoke to staff who has worked on LGBT issues.
Craig Petty, president of LGBT association Glifaa, said the Duke told him he would be appearing in the magazine.
“I told him what I do and he said he’s going to be in Attitude magazine,” he added. “I was really nervous about meeting the royal couple, but they are both great at putting you at ease.
“I think it’s great that they have come here today to show their support.”
“No one should be bullied for their sexuality. Don’t put up with it. Be proud of the person you are.” pic.twitter.com/XYuRZAmf5V
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 15, 2016
The news has been welcomed by members of the LGBT community as a “great endorsement” for diversity.
A spokesman for the LGBT Foundation said: “What it shows is why it’s important – because there has not been that many times when the LGBT community has been mentioned or highlighted by the royal family – with it being a younger heir to the throne who is understanding of diverse communities.
“The fact that he has agreed to be in Attitude and signing books of condolences for the Orlando massacre shows the importance of reaching out to the LGBT community.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how he appears as this will be warmly welcomed.”
The Duke of Cambridge meets staff after signing a book of condolence for Orlando shooting victims
The piece featuring Prince William is to appear in an edition of Attitude that will also be the last edited by Matthew Todd.
He posted a message on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, thanking readers for their support and said he was “proud to be part of this amazing community”:
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “We look forward to speaking about this soon.”
A source said: “It’s all very exciting. For the Duke to have mentioned it today is really nice to know. It’s been set up for months.”
It is understood the prince gave the magazine access to a royal visit to an LGBT anti-bullying workshop he attended in recent months.
“The article is on the theme of bullying,” said a source. “William has done a lot of work on bullying and mental health issues and LGBT bullying is something he feels is important to campaign on.”
The Duke has visited schools as part of an anti-bullying campaign, the Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme, an organisation set up in memory of his mother.
Courtesy: The Telegraph