The Prince of Wales played a round of crazy golf and discussed the effects of warmer seas with local fishermen during a visit to Hastings, East Sussex, on Thursday. William arrived via the town's funicular railway to greet a crowd of well-wishers who had waited in sweltering heat to see him around midday.
After telling the crowd it was his first visit to Hastings, the prince encouraged waiting children to cool down and “make a big splash” in the sea. He then tested his putting skills at Hastings Adventure Miniature Golf, which hosted the World Crazy Golf Championships 2026 last month.
Crazy Golf Challenge
William played three holes against Murray Thompson, one of the UK’s top-ranked crazy golfers, and met local players David and Marian Harley, who took up the game in retirement. Admiring the seaside course, William told them: “If this is on your doorstep you’ve got to use it.” Watching Thompson sink three consecutive hole-in-ones, the prince joked, “you make it look so easy,” as his opponent celebrated.
Concerns Over Warmer Seas
William also spoke to local fishermen, a netmaker, and a museum curator at the historic port, reportedly home to Britain's largest beach-launched fishing fleet. Boarding the fishing boat Senlac Jack, he asked: “What’s your theory on why there’s no fish?” He was told that warmer seas and bigger boats were contributing factors, while netmaker Steven Gurka added that improved technology and overfishing were also to blame. Gurka said he had watched fishermen return to port on Wednesday without enough fish to sell.
The Met Office had warned that the long-lasting marine heatwave across UK waters for much of 2026 could reach extreme levels that week, potentially affecting ecosystems and wildlife significantly.
Community Engagement
William received a book titled Generations about local fisherfolk history and an illustrated tea towel from Yasmine Ornsby. He was also given a silver shell by the Winkle Club, a local charity whose members carry shells in their pockets and can be asked to “winkle up” to prove membership. William was told that his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and Winston Churchill were among previous honorary members. When Gurka asked if the prince wanted to try netmaking, William replied: “I will leave you to it, I’d put a hole in it.”
He also visited Hastings Commons, an organization that takes derelict buildings into community ownership and transforms them into social spaces. At a youth club created in one of the Commons’ buildings, William asked people playing pool if it felt like a safe space and if it changed their use of social media. One young girl drawing told him: “I prefer being here with friends than being on social media.”
Earlier, William told the gathered crowd he hoped “you have all got suncream on” and encouraged everyone to swim in the sea. When one woman introduced her baby son Sebastian, saying “he’s been waiting for you,” the baby burst into tears as William crouched down. “I know how you feel,” the prince joked.
