The Mancunian Way: We still ask, ‘what if?'

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Wendy Simms welcomed Prince William to Moss Side with a warm embrace this afternoon. “I remember you Wendy,” the Prince of Wales told her as he began a tour of the suburb, as he had promised to do back in May.

The royal was invited to Manchester by Keeping It Real 24/7 food bank founder Wendy when she met him at a Buckingham Palace garden party and he today made good on his promise.

He started his tour at The Hideaway Youth Project before heading to the Moss Side Millennium Powerhouse and also viewed the newly restored Jessie James mural and spoke to the murdered teen’s mother Barbara Reid.

Reporters Ethan Davies and Nicole Wootton-Cane were there to watch the day unfold. They say it was an uplifting event that clearly meant a lot to the community. It was also full of light-hearted moments as the Prince tried his hand at pool and even sang happy birthday to a young teen.

But the powerful message behind the trip was clear as he spoke to families who have lost loved ones to youth violence. During his visit to The Hideaway, The Prince of Wales met with families devastated by youth violence - including Audrey Thompson, mother of Rhys Thompson, who died in 2021. The families discussed their agony and the work they have done to tackle youth violence since their tragic losses.

Mayor Andy Burnham said the visit meant ‘a huge deal’. “It’s wonderful the recognition you’re giving to this community, because it’s a stronger community than people realise,” he told the Prince. “Taking young people, building the pathways for them. We are