Princess Kate Opens Up About Alcohol Avoidance Following Cancer Diagnosis
The Princess of Wales has candidly revealed that she has been consciously avoiding alcohol since her cancer diagnosis, making the personal admission during a lighthearted visit to London's renowned Bermondsey Beer Mile with Prince William. The royal couple's engagement at the Fabal Beerhall and Southwark Brewing Company on Thursday provided a poignant glimpse into Kate's health-conscious choices as she continues her journey in remission.
A Personal Revelation Amidst Brewery Tours
While Prince William enthusiastically sampled lagers and ciders, Kate politely declined, explaining to Fabal Beerhall founder Hannah Rhodes that she has been mindful of alcohol consumption following her diagnosis. "She said something along the lines of 'since my diagnosis it has been best to avoid alcohol,'" Ms Rhodes later recounted to journalists. The Princess of Wales, who announced her cancer diagnosis in 2024 and is now in remission, specifically inquired about the availability of non-alcoholic beer options, highlighting her commitment to health without missing out on social experiences.
Ms Rhodes responded that her establishment does not yet offer non-alcoholic beers, noting that proper production would require significant technical investment. "I would love to do that one day but we would need quite a bit of tech to do it properly," she explained. This exchange underscored the growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives in social settings, a trend the princess is personally navigating.
Royal Banter and Brewing Insights
The visit was filled with warm interactions and humorous moments. Kate demonstrated her interest in sustainable practices by asking how the brewery uses raw British honey in its drinks. Prince William, ever the supportive husband, jokingly warned Ms Rhodes: "Be careful what you say, you might be corrected," revealing that Kate keeps bees herself. This playful banter highlighted the couple's relaxed rapport and shared environmental interests.
At the Southwark Brewing Company, the royal pair engaged in a friendly pint-pulling contest against founder and managing director Peter Jackson. After a demonstration where Kate remarked, "you make it look so easy," both she and William attempted the task under Mr Jackson's guidance. So impressed was he with their efforts that he quipped, "You know what, you can come back on Saturday for a shift." Prince William confidently declared their pints superior, stating, "I think they are both better actually."
Hands-On Brewing and Birthday Wishes
The engagement continued with hands-on participation in the brewing process. The couple donned rubber gloves, with William pouring hops into the mixture and Kate stirring the boil with a large wooden stick. They also took a moment to connect personally with Mr Jackson's son, also named William, via video call to wish him a happy birthday. Prince William humorously told the younger William, "We're just in here trying not to ruin his brewery. We've just beaten him in a pint-pulling contest."
As they departed, Kate waved to a small crowd gathered outside, acknowledging the public's warm reception. The visit not only showcased the royal couple's approachability but also subtly emphasized themes of wellness and recovery, with Kate's alcohol avoidance serving as a powerful reminder of the lifestyle adjustments many face after a cancer diagnosis. Her openness during such a public outing provides inspiration and solidarity to others navigating similar health journeys.
