Prince William’s low-key pub stop stuns diners

Prince William caught diners off guard when he quietly dropped into the Walnut Tree Inn in Mere, Wiltshire, for an unannounced working lunch on Thursday. 

The Prince of Wales, 43, was in town for Duchy of Cornwall business and chose the local pub on Duchy land as his meeting spot.

Pub owner William Friend-James said staff had no idea the table booked a week earlier for nine was for royalty. “Everyone was a bit shocked when he walked in,” he said. William joined six Duchy colleagues at one table while his security detail sat separately.

Keeping things casual, the prince ordered a homemade burger, fries, and a lemonade. Others chose the pub’s pie and sea bass. The group stayed for roughly two hours, undisturbed by customers. Staff described Prince William as “down to earth” and easy to serve.

Despite initial instructions against photos, Prince William agreed to one while heading to the restrooms, posing with two regulars and staff member Lisa James. The pub later posted the picture on Facebook, praising the team for hosting him.

Prince William’s security team settled the bill and left a tip. The drop-in follows another informal outing earlier this year, when he surprised Aston Villa fans at a Birmingham pub and bought them a round.