Prince William says he would "fully support" his children if they were gay, but worries about the pressures they would face from others.
Speaking at the Albert Kennedy Trust LGBTQ charity event in London on Friday (NZ Time), the Duke of Cambridge said it would be "absolutely fine" by him if any of his children came out as gay.
- Arrival of Prince William in New Zealand not receiving much fanfare
- Prince William's adorable gift to Jacinda Ardern's daughter Neve
- 'Welcome to the sleep deprivation society': Prince William congratulates Harry, Meghan on birth
He was asked by an attendee how he would react if one of his children did come out as gay or lesbian.
"I think you don’t really start thinking about that until you are a parent, and I think – obviously, absolutely fine by me," Prince William said.
"The one thing I’d be worried about is how, particularly the roles my children fill, how that is going to be interpreted and seen. So Catherine and I have been doing a lot of talking about it to make sure they were prepared."
He said it was something he was nervous about, but only because he was worried about the pressures they would face.
"I wish we lived in a world where, like you said, it’s really normal and cool. But particularly for my family and the position that we are in, that’s the bit I’m nervous about."
He said, regardless, he would "fully support" any decision the children made.
The comments were greeted with admiration from the Trust's chief executive, Tim Sigsworth, who said it made a "massive difference" that the future monarch would be so accepting.
BBC News LGBT Correspondent Ben Hunte called the comments a "huge moment" for LGBTQ people around the world.
"For a member of the British Royal Family to give such an endorsement to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and their fight for equality, is a big deal, especially in a time when the visibility of LGBT people is being continually questioned."
Prince William is second in line to the throne, followed by his son George.
Newshub.
