British royal covers gay magazine, Attitude

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June 15, 2016 3:09 PM

British monarch, Prince William is lending his voice against the issue of bullying on account of sexuality, as he appears on the cover of U.K. gay magazine, Attitude, on the heels of the Orlando shooting.

Prince William on the cover of Attitude magazine

British monarch,

Prince William is the first member of the British monarchy to appear on the cover of a gay publication. According to William, "No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives.”

William had revealed his magazine appearance on Tuesday after signing a book of condolence for victims of the gay nightclub shooting in Orlando which left 49 people dead and dozens wounded.

William, 33, had Attitude magazine and members of the LGBT+ community over at Kensington Palace on 12 May to discuss being bullied and to discuss its subsequent effect on mental health.

Prince William was photographed by Leigh Kelly. In talking to the magazine, he mentioned: "The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. What I would say to any young person reading this who's being bullied for their sexuality: don't put up with it – speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need. You should be proud of the person you are and have nothing to be ashamed of."

According to a Kensington Palace spokesperson, "The Duke of Cambridge is working hard to support the fight against bullying and to help break the stigma around mental health. He has established a taskforce on the prevention of cyberbullying and along with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry is leading the Heads Together campaign on mental health and wellbeing."

This comes on the heels of the Orlando shooting at a gay nightclub, Pulse, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning on 12 May, where 49 people were killed and more than 50 were left injured.

Todd, the magazine's editor, urged parents, saying, "I am very happy that the future King of the United Kingdom agrees this must stop and I would urge parents in particular to raise their voices in their communities to ensure that every school protects -- really protects -- all children."

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