Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, surprised both customers and staff members with an unexpected visit to a quaint country pub. The Prince, aged 43, dropped by The Walnut Tree Inn located in Wiltshire, England, for lunch on Thursday, Nov. 27. Pub owner, William Friend-James, described the Prince as “very down to earth” and a pleasure to serve during his visit.
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The visit was not merely a casual outing for Prince William, as he was in Mere for business related to the Duchy of Cornwall, a substantial estate he inherited after his father, King Charles, ascended to the throne in 2022. The Duchy of Cornwall, valued at over $1 billion, includes farmland, property, and commercial businesses spanning across 20 counties in England, providing financial support for the heir and various public projects.
It was revealed that The Walnut Tree Inn is situated on Duchy of Cornwall’s land, as reported by the local newspaper, Wiltshire Times. Friend-James disclosed that a table had been reserved a week prior for nine individuals across two separate tables, with no knowledge that royalty would be among the guests. The unsuspecting pub attendees were taken aback when Prince William casually walked in for his lunch meeting.
During his visit, Prince William opted for a homemade burger accompanied by fries and a refreshing lemonade, while his companions enjoyed choices from the pub’s menu, such as the homemade pie and sea bass. The Walnut Tree Burger, a signature dish on the pub’s menu priced at £18.95 (approximately $25), features a brioche bun filled with Emmental cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, coleslaw, and relish.
A highlight of the surprise visit was when Prince William graciously posed for a photo with regular patrons Gary Fermor and Nick Lowe, along with staff member Lisa James, who had the honour of serving him. The heartwarming image was subsequently shared on the pub’s Facebook page, expressing gratitude for hosting HRH Prince of Wales for lunch.
Prince William’s security team, discreetly seated at a separate table, settled the bill, including a generous tip. Friend-James estimated that the Prince and his group spent approximately two hours at the pub, where they enjoyed a peaceful and pleasant visit. This surprise outing follows a similar spontaneous gesture earlier in the year when Prince William joined Aston Villa fans at a pub in Birmingham, England, and treated them to a round of drinks.
Overall, Prince William’s unexpected yet delightful visit to The Walnut Tree Inn left a lasting impression on both patrons and staff, underscoring his approachable nature and genuine interactions with people. Such informal encounters showcase the Duke of Cambridge’s ability to connect with various communities while carrying out his official duties and engagements, further solidifying his positive rapport with the public.