The Duke of Cambridge has opened the doors of Kensington Palace to meet with Radio 1's Teen Heroes of 2021.

Prince William, 39, welcomed teenagers and Radio 1 DJs into his London home yesterday to congratulate the youngsters on their 'selfless, brave and exceptional' achievements.

Dressed to impress in a black jumper and light blue shirt, William also chatted to hosts Greg James, Jordan North and Vick Hope at the star-studded evening. 

Every year, Radio 1's Teen Heroes celebrates outstanding teenagers who have proven their dedication to helping others.

Last week on Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James the nation came together to celebrate the five Teen Heroes of 2021: Harry, Jake, Keah, Madison and Tom. 

They each joined Greg for a special co-host on Friday 3 December, where they were surprised with their invitation to Kensington Palace.

This is the fifth year that Radio 1's Teen Heroes have been invited to the palace as a way for the Duke to congratulate the young winners personally and celebrate their achievements. 

All five heroes attended yesterday's reception, where they spoke to the Duke about the work and projects they have been involved in and how this has made a real difference to those around them and the wider community. 

The Duke then awarded each Teen Hero with a certificate.

Greg James said: 'The whole point of the Teen Heroes is to make a fuss of some remarkable young people who wouldn't ever think they deserved it. 

'If going to Kensington Palace to meet the future king isn't making a fuss of them, then I'm out of ideas. 

'It was a really special afternoon and William gave them so much time to hear their stories and offer support to them as they continue to put themselves out for others.'

The five heroes included Harry, aged 17, from Kent, who became a young lifesaver earlier this year when he was on the way to school and helped a person who was in imminent danger of taking their own life. 

After speaking to the individual, Harry was able to call the emergency services and get the person the help they need. He was praised by the ambulance service for his response to an incredibly high-pressure situation.

Meanwhile Jake, aged 14, from Bristol, is an avid fundraiser for bereavement causes, following the deaths of his half-sister and grandmother. 

Each year to help raise money Jake puts on a spectacular Christmas light display at his house and has already raised over £10,000.

Keah, aged 19, from Trowbridge, is a young carer who has been looking after her mother since 2018 and is also studying at college to become a nurse. 

Alongside this, Keah sits on a youth council that helps inform policy about young carers and gives talks to schools about what life is like looking after a member of your family. 

Elsewhere, after struggling with her own mental health, Madison, 17, from Kent, developed a scheme in the pandemic called 'Positivity Packages'. 

The packages are designed to help others with mental health difficulties and contain advice on mental wellbeing and items that can aid in everyday mental health management, such as stickers, distraction toys, teabags and bath bombs, along with personal notes of encouragement from Madison.

Finally, Tom, aged 13, from Preston, has become the UK's number one wheelchair motocross (WCMX) rider. 

Tom has EDS (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) which has meant he's needed to use a wheelchair since the age of 11. 

He is a public ambassador for WCMX, helping to raise the sport's profile in the UK and attract more participants, and is now at the forefront of the international effort to get the sport recognised at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.