The Prince of Wales has revealed that his drink of choice when visiting the pub is a pint of cider with ice. The revelation comes as William prepares to share more insights from his public role and personal life in the new issue of Country Life magazine, which he has guest edited.
The heir to the throne has spent the last six months working with the publication, which celebrates rural life, creating a 300-page commemorative issue. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of his father, the King, stepmother Queen Camilla and his aunt Princess Anne, who have all served as royal guest editors.
Royal Guest Editorship
Last month, William met with Country Life's editor-in-chief Mark Hedges and managing editor Paula Minchin at Windsor Castle to preview drafts of the magazine and examine the proofs and layout. The prince will also feature as the cover star for the special edition on November 11.
Mr Hedges previously described the heir to the throne as a "passionate countryman" when his role as guest editor was announced in June. William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall landed estate, which spans 128,000 acres over 19 counties, when his father became King. He also has a countryside retreat, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.
Passion for the Countryside
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "The Prince of Wales has a long-standing passion for the countryside and the vital role it plays in the nation's life, culture and wellbeing.
"His guest editorship of Country Life reflects a desire to celebrate the people, places and innovative stewardship helping to secure its future for generations to come." Former England captain and gardening enthusiast Sir David Beckham also oversaw an edition in October last year.
Previous Royal Editions
Camilla's guest edition in 2022 to mark her 75th birthday was the biggest-selling issue of all time, with the front cover picture of the then-duchess of Cornwall, now Queen Camilla, taken by the now-Princess of Wales. The King, then the Prince of Wales, twice guest-edited Country Life, firstly for his 65th birthday in November 2013, and then for his 70th in 2018. In 2020, the Princess Royal guest-edited an edition for her 70th birthday.
Earlier this year, William spoke of his love of pubs and vowed to protect them, during a visit to one in London, where he pulled pints and chatted to locals. He told Clem Ogbonnaya, the owner of the Prince of Peckham in South London that the nation's pubs are "so important" and "a place for the community to come together", and are in need of our protection.
Supporting Pubs
Speaking at the time, William pledged: "I love pubs. I want to do as much as I can to support pubs because I love the community. We need to protect our pubs." He said that Britain's public houses act as "the glue and fabric" in a community, adding: "It's the people – the team – around a pub that make it."
The Prince of Wales guest edited edition of Country Life magazine is on sale from Wednesday November 11.
