No quiet pint for the Prince and Princess of Wales as they arrived at the Dog and Duck in Soho, central London, amid cheering crowds. Prince William tried his hand as a barman, pulling a pint of 'Kingmaker' beer, while Catherine shook hands with onlookers filming on their phones.
The royal couple travelled on the Elizabeth Line, named after the late Queen. The lunchtime visit aimed to support the hospitality industry ahead of the Coronation, with Prince William noting, 'You just get the best conversations in a pub... everyone is relaxed.'
Prince William, continuing his tie-less trend, wore a jacket and open shirt, followed by his retinue. Catherine stood out in a smart red outfit behind the bar, reminiscent of soap opera character Peggy Mitchell.
The pub, a former haunt of George Orwell, saw police cordons and a helicopter overhead. The serious purpose was to recognise hospitality workers labouring through the Coronation weekend, as pubs hope for a boom with extended licensing hours.
Leaving from Ronnie Scott's jazz bar, the couple disappeared down Frith Street as crowds filmed from windows. Prince William mentioned his son Prince George's excitement for the big day.
