Although he was not in attendance at the event on Friday (12 May) night, Prince William did send a short video message, the first time he has spoken on film in praise of the LGBT+ community.
Open Image Modal
Prince William at a BBC screening earlier this year
Chris Jackson via Getty Images
He said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the LGBT Awards for this incredible award. It’s a real honour to be recognised in this way.
“In recent years, I’ve become passionate about what we can do to protect people from bullying, particularly online. Through this work I’ve encountered a number of tragic stories about LGBT young people, who have sadly felt unable to cope with the abuse and discrimination they face in their lives.
“But this work has also led me to a number of inspiring people, who are helping others to stand up to bullying wherever it occurs.”
The Prince concluded: “It is 2017, and no one should be bullied for their sexuality, or any other reason. It’s so important to be proud of the person you are.”
This echoed similar comments he made to Attitude magazine, in which he said: “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.
Samira Wiley ('Orange Is The New Black' actress)(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
"I was just taught that love is the most powerful thing." (credit:Megan Mack via Getty Images)
Adore Delano (Drag performer/singer)(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
"My voice is not only for singing, I speak about body image issues, HIV rights, and many other topics that should be addressed when you have a platform like mine." (credit:Gabe Ginsberg via Getty Images)
Mary Lambert (singer/songwriter)(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
"Hearing women of all ages sing 'She Keeps Me Warm' at the top of their lungs - they don’t give a shit about what pronoun it is.
"They get that it’s about love, so I think that’s really given me perspective. I think people can deal with it, and they get it." (credit:Paul Morigi via Getty Images)
Todrick Hall (YouTube star/singer)(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
"When you’re a person that’s trying to be a public figure and you’re black and you’re gay and for some people it’s a little too much for them to handle...
"I think there are a lot of people who are afraid to be who they are and if I have to sacrifice a little bit of fame and a little bit of success because I’m being 100 percent truthful with who I am, hopefully that will create a paved way for someone else." (credit:Robin Marchant via Getty Images)
Ines Rau (model)(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
"It's all about what's in your heart. Gender and sexuality do not make you who you are. Your heart and actions do!" (credit:Instagram/Ines Rau)
Riley Carter Millington ('EastEnders' actor)(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
"I want to help make a difference. [Being trans] is a part of me and I want hopefully to make other people feel like they can come out, like they can feel that they’ve got support." (credit:Peter MacDiarmid/REX/Shutterstock)
Angel Haze (rapper)(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
"Sexuality is like having a favorite colour. It doesn’t rule you, you know? And I should be able to do whatever and whoever I want at any given time." (credit:Brian Killian via Getty Images)
Joe Lycett (stand-up comedian)(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
"Gender is fluid and I think it’s absolutely fascinating, so I talk about that a little bit in my show. I think it’s important some people do publicly go, 'Hey, I’m not straight and I’m not gay. I’m somewhere in the middle and that’s OK.'" (credit:David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
Ruby Tandoh (foodie/'Bake Off' finalist)(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
"To all the bros who hate social media, who pit it against 'real life' - I never would've had the courage to be me without Twitter's queer queens." (credit:Richard Saker/Rex/Shutterstock)
Troye Sivan (YouTube star/pop sensation)(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
'[Being gay] been a non-issue for me. But the same thing that’s been a blessing in my life can lead someone to suicide. Every time I hear about an LGBTQ kid committing suicide, it’s just so much frustration. I just think about lost potential because a parent wasn’t accepting or a friend wasn’t, and it ended an LGBTQ kid’s life.
"I really want the parents of my audience to see these videos actually. And realise that their reaction influences their kid’s entire experience. Showing them two sides of the coin: this is how it could go or this is how it could go. It’s up to you." (credit:Frazer Harrison via Getty Images)