British LGBT awards: Prince William attacks homophobic bullying while accepting Celebrity Straight Ally award

Exclusive: First look at the British LGBT award's video from The Duke of Cambridge

Prince William has been named Celebrity Straight Ally at this year's British LGBT Awards.

Addressing the awards via a pre-recorded video, The Duke of Cambridge apologised for not being able to attend in person, and commended his fellow winners; who included Broadcaster of the Year Clare Balding and Influencers of the Year Dustin Lance Black and Tom Daley.

"In recent years I've been compassionate about what we can do to protect people from bullying, particularly online," he explained in the video.

"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."

William adds that his work tackling bullying and mental health stigma has lead him to meet inspiring individuals and organisations "who are helping others to stand up to bullying wherever it occurs".

The Prince recently teamed up with the singer Lady Gaga in a bid to end the “shame” of speaking out about mental health. The pair discussed Lady Gaga's PTSD over FaceTime, while William commented on ending the 'fear' of being open and honest about mental illness.

He concludes the video by remarking that "no one should be bullied for the sexuality, or any other reason".

"It's so important to be proud of the person you are," he added.

Commenting on the Prince William video, British LGBT Awards co-founder, Sarah Garrett MBE, said: “Prince William has used his position to promote diversity and speak out against homophobic bullying. He is a very deserving winner of the ally award and it is wonderful that he took time out of his schedule to make this short video. His message will resonate and offer hope to young people around the world who have faced discrimination because of their sexuality.”

In 2016, Prince William became the first royal to feature on the cover of an LGBT magazine. William featured on the front of gay magazine Attitude and used the platform to discuss bullying and mental health awareness. The move was heralded by many as a ground-breaking step forward for the royal family, while others argued that it only continued the "glorification of white cis males" in gay media.

You can read the full list of winners from the British LGBT Awards here, and catchup with the whole event on their website.