A man who mistook Prince William for the late pop star Prince has written to the royal to apologise for asking him to sing 'Purple Rain'. Sebastian Smith, 22, who has severe learning difficulties, made the mix-up during a visit by the heir to the throne to the Sweet Surprise cafe in Ilminster, Somerset.
The cafe provides workplace education for adults with learning difficulties, including Sebastian, who has Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder. Prince William recalled the moment on The Graham Norton Show on October 23.
A Royal Visit Remembered
Sebastian is a big fan of Prince the pop star, and when William arrived he thought it was him and asked him to sing the 1984 hit. His family have now come forward to speak about the exchange, saying Sebastian has written a letter to the Prince to apologise for his innocent error.
Sebastian's parents, Claire and Mike, were amazed that their son's short conversation gained so much publicity. Claire said: 'Our phones went crazy after the Graham Norton Show because our friends knew Prince William had been referring to what Sebastian had asked him.'
'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 added. 'Considering his learning difficulties, it is amazing how he can name all the songs, so when Prince William arrived at Sweet Surprise, Sebastian just innocently assumed it was Prince the singer!'
Family's Reaction and Letter
Claire described Sebastian as 'a bundle of joy' and said the family was 'a bit surprised he didn't hug Prince William'. She added that they have helped Sebastian write a letter to Prince William, which they are sending to Kensington Palace.
'In the letter, Sebastian has thanked the Prince for visiting Ilminster, and he's apologised for mistaking him for the singer Prince,' Claire said. 'And he's signed the letter off with 'lots of love – Sebastian'. We hope the Prince gets to see the letter.'
Sebastian, who is an adult learner at Sweet Surprise, remained in a mainstream school until he was 11 before going on to more specialist support. His parents first began to notice he might have some problems when he was aged four or five.
Cafe Owner Praises Royal Visit
Sweet Surprise owner Jane Morgan said Prince William's visit 'will be a day that everyone will remember and an honour for all who work here and for those that we support'. She noted that the Prince 'was really interested in what we did and joked along with the learners – he was perfect'.
'And as for Sebastian's comments about Prince and Purple Rain, oh my days! But Prince William took it all in his stride with great fun,' Morgan added. The letter is being sent to Kensington Palace, where the family hopes the Prince will receive it.
