Prince William has gone “full circle” and visited a Canadian charity modelled on a service opened by his mother in Glasgow. 

The Duke of Cambridge went with his wife Kate to Sheway, a charity in downtown Vancouver that supports vulnerable mothers and pregnant women battling with addiction and other issues.

Ron Abrahams, a physician who works with Sheway, told William how Princess Diana had opened the Women’s Reproductive Maternity Service in Glasgow in 1990, which Sheway has modelled itself on.

It was started by former Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year Dr Mary Hepburn in Rottenrow Maternity Hospital.

The consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist has fought for more than 30 years to improve the outcomes of mums-to-be with drug and alcohol problems, HIV, mental health issues or abusive backgrounds.

Prince William’s mother’s link with the charity was the reason behind the visit and William said it was “good to hear” but admitted he hadn’t read his
briefing notes.

He added: “I’ve got this huge file of notes I haven’t managed to get through yet but I’ll get there.”

Mr Abrahams added: “It’s wonderful to have you here after all the work your mother did in this field. It’s like full circle for us with your family.”

William smiled and was visibly moved as he listened to Mr Abrahams talk about Diana. 

Mr Abrahams said later: “He was really quite chuffed.”

The royals were shown round the centre by Patti Zettel, Sheway manager and clinical co-ordinator Dana Clifford. 

The couple then watched a “vest-making” session for teddy bears led by one of Sheway’s family support workers.

Sheway is a First Nations word meaning “growth”. 

Aides said Kate was keen to see the work of Sheway, as the link between addiction and family breakdown has been a focus of her charity work.

The Women’s Reproductive Maternity Service in Glasgow went on to become the Glasgow Special Needs in Pregnancy Service in 2009.