Sebastian Smith, a 22-year-old with a passion for music, recently experienced a memorable encounter when he mistakenly addressed Prince William as the iconic singer Prince during a royal visit to a café in Somerset. The mix-up occurred on 6 October during the Prince of Wales’s tour of the Sweet Surprise café in Ilminster, a training establishment that supports adults with learning disabilities.
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While meeting local residents and engaging with café trainees, Sebastian, who has Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome—a genetic condition that affects his growth and cognitive development—unexpectedly enquired of the royal, “When are you going to sing?” This amusing moment was later recounted by Prince William during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show aired on 23 October.
The Prince shared the anecdote with fellow guests Cate Blanchett, Hannah Waddingham, and Robert Irwin while discussing his upcoming Earthshot Prize. “I went to a place in Somerset and was looking around some of the local communities there, and one lovely gentleman looked up at me from his seat and said, ‘When are you going to sing?’” the royal recalled. His bemusement was evident, as he further elaborated, “I’ve had many requests over many years from all ranging parts of society, and I said, ‘I’m sorry, what do you mean?’”
It transpired that Sebastian was specifically hoping to hear the Prince perform “Purple Rain,” a classic by the late musician Prince. William chuckled as he explained that a nearby lady had to clarify the mix-up, stating, “No, no, he’s not that prince.”
Sebastian’s mother, Claire, later explained to The Sun that her son was not as familiar with the British royal family. However, his admiration for the singer Prince is profound. “To be honest, I don’t think Sebastian had any idea who Prince William was — but he’s a massive fan of Prince the singer and can list all his songs and knows all the lyrics,” she remarked, adding that Sebastian’s knowledge is impressive given his learning difficulties.
The café, Sweet Surprise, plays a vital role in the community by offering training that enables individuals like Sebastian to gain valuable work experience. During his visit, Prince William not only interacted with the trainees but also highlighted important topics like community preparedness for emergencies and assistance in facing extreme weather conditions, an area of focus for his royal engagements.
In the wake of the amusing incident, Claire mentioned that the family had taken the time to write a letter to Prince William. The letter expressed their gratitude for his visit and offered an apology for Sebastian’s confusion. “We hope he sees it,” she told the paper.
Although Sebastian may not have had the opportunity to witness a musical performance from the Prince, it is worth noting that William has taken to the stage in the past. In 2013, he surprised attendees at a Centrepoint charity event hosted at Kensington Palace by joining musical icons Taylor Swift and Jon Bon Jovi for a rendition of “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Reflecting on that experience years later, the Prince admitted, “To this day, I still do not know what came over me.”
The humorous exchange between Sebastian and Prince William has captured the attention of many and sheds light on the importance of community and understanding, especially for individuals with learning disabilities. As public figures engage with diverse groups throughout the UK, moments like this remind us of the connections that can be made, transcending social barriers and promoting inclusivity.
Prince William’s playful recounting of the experience serves as both a lighthearted story and a testament to the impact of his royal visits. By championing causes such as community preparedness and support for individuals with disabilities, the royal family continues to play a significant role in promoting awareness and fostering a sense of togetherness across different societal segments.