Prince William rolled up his sleeves and got hands-on during a visit to the Black Rootz growing project in north London on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, where he teamed up with celebrity chef, rapper, and presenter Big Zuu to pot perennial plants as part of BBC Children in Need’s We Move FWD programme. The lighthearted yet meaningful engagement highlighted the power of community gardening in supporting young people’s mental health, creativity, and sense of belonging, while showcasing William’s commitment to youth empowerment through genuine interaction.

The Black Rootz initiative, housed at the Ubele Initiative community hub in Wood Green, stands as the UK’s first multigenerational growing project. It brings together diverse ages and backgrounds to cultivate food, foster skills, and build resilience through horticulture. Funded by Children in Need’s We Move FWD scheme, which champions youth-led social action, the project provides safe spaces for teenagers to grow produce, learn about nutrition, and take home fresh salads and herbs—practical outcomes that boost confidence and independence.

William arrived dressed casually yet warmly for the chilly greenhouse, immediately showing interest in the young participants’ work. Master grower Paulette Henry guided him through the process, offering gloves for the potting task. True to his approachable style, the Prince politely declined, opting to get his hands directly into the soil alongside Big Zuu. The moment drew laughter and cheers from onlookers as the two men worked side by side, filling pots with compost and carefully placing perennial plants.

Big Zuu, known for his music, cooking shows, and past experience as a youth worker, brought his trademark energy and humor to the session. He joked about William’s outfit being “very warmly dressed” for gardening and encouraged him to dive in fully. Their banter flowed naturally—discussing everything from salad greens young people could take home to the therapeutic benefits of hands-on growing. William tasted a leaf from a saltbush plant, nodding appreciatively at the unique flavor, and asked thoughtful questions about how the project helps participants build life skills.

The visit formed part of a broader morning at the Ubele Initiative, where William met teenagers involved in various We Move FWD-funded projects. He viewed an exhibition of photographs taken by young people, praising their creativity and encouraging them to keep pushing boundaries. In roundtable discussions with presenters like Big Zuu and Richie Brave—both former youth workers—the conversation turned to the role of youth services in opening opportunities and amplifying voices from underrepresented communities.

Big Zuu later shared how powerful the Prince’s presence felt: “The fact that we got Prince William here asking how we can make change, that is like bottom to the top.” He described the visit as a signal that “maybe we are being heard by the elite,” underscoring the value of high-profile support for grassroots efforts. The rapper’s own background in youth work added authenticity to the exchange, bridging the gap between royal protocol and street-level realities.

William’s decision to forgo gloves symbolized more than practicality—it reflected his willingness to engage fully and authentically. No barriers, no pretense; just a future king planting alongside young changemakers and a celebrity advocate. Photos captured the relaxed atmosphere: William smiling broadly, soil on his hands, Big Zuu grinning next to him in the greenhouse warmth. The images quickly circulated online, earning praise for their relatability and positivity.

The We Move FWD programme, launched to fund innovative youth projects across the UK, emphasizes forward momentum—helping young people move from challenges toward brighter futures through creativity, community, and skill-building. Black Rootz exemplifies this by combining horticulture with social action: participants not only grow food but learn teamwork, responsibility, and environmental awareness. For many from disadvantaged backgrounds, these sessions provide structure, purpose, and a tangible sense of achievement.

William has long championed causes that support mental wellbeing and opportunity for the next generation. His Earthshot Prize focuses on environmental innovation, while his work with homelessness through Homewards and youth empowerment initiatives shows a consistent thread of practical support. This visit aligned perfectly, demonstrating how small actions—like potting a plant—can contribute to larger change.

Young participants expressed excitement and inspiration. One teenager shared how the project gave them a creative outlet and a place to belong, while another noted the boost from seeing a senior royal take genuine interest in their work. The Prince’s quick-witted responses and genuine curiosity made the encounter memorable, with one fan even playfully asking if she could visit his “forever home” at Forest Lodge—earning a charismatic laugh in reply.

Big Zuu’s involvement amplified the message. As a multifaceted talent who uses his platform for good, he embodied the kind of role model We Move FWD seeks to highlight. His easy rapport with William highlighted how collaboration across backgrounds can drive progress, turning what could have been a formal visit into an authentic, joyful exchange.

The day’s warmth contrasted with broader challenges facing youth services amid funding pressures and societal shifts. By shining a spotlight on Black Rootz and similar projects, William helped raise awareness and potentially attract more support. His hands-on approach reinforced that effective leadership often means getting involved at ground level.

As the Prince departed, leaving behind potted plants and inspired faces, the visit stood as a reminder of the monarchy’s evolving role—bridging tradition with modern relevance through empathy and action. In a world craving connection, moments like these—royalty and rap royalty planting together—offer hope that change starts small, in soil, with shared effort and open hearts.