In a heartwarming gesture of compassion Prince William and Princess Kate helped a London food bank that had been hit by theft and had thousands of pounds worth of goods stolen.

Southwark Foodbank, which is operated by Pecan on Peckham High Street, had £3,000 worth of food hygiene products stolen, as well as a laptop, on September 8.

After hearing about the burglary, the Prince and Princess of Wales made a donation of £3,500 to help replenish the missing stock. Pecan chief executive Peter Edwards told the BBC: “This surprise donation by the Prince and Princess of Wales – following such a difficult spell for their family – underlines their kindness and decency.”

He added: “After serious ill health, their first thought was of how to help others.”

The chief executive also spoke about the kind gesture from the royal couple who had pledged £3,500: “Their generosity will inspire staff and volunteers to redouble Pecan’s efforts to alleviate poverty in London.”

The food bank in London also received donations from members of the public who had heard about what happened and wanted to help.

Staff and volunteers had been “very distressed” to be met with empty shelves when they discovered the theft, explaining burglarers had forced their way into the warehouse and caused damage.

Peter explained: “We are delighted that after such a difficult time for their own family, the Waleses thought of us and the people of the community in need across Southwark, and that’s testament to their decency and compassion.”

The ordeal follows four other break-ins at two London food banks over the past 14 months including at Lewisham Foodbank in south-east London.