Kate Middleton and Prince William are out and about in London - only two days before the coronation!
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid a visit to Dog & Duck Pub in Soho on Thursday afternoon to learn how the pub is preparing for King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation weekend. Hundreds of thousands of people are anticipated to rush the city to catch a glimpse of the royal festivities, according to the BBC, and business is expected to be brisk at the Dog & Duck, which is barely a mile from Buckingham Palace.
Prince William, 40, and Princess Kate, 41, went to the bar via the Tube, the city's public tube, also known as the London Underground. "Jumping on the Elizabeth Line to Soho!" a photo of them on the train, riding on the route named for Prince William's late grandmother Queen Elizabeth, was captioned on social media.
They walked along Frith Street to the Dog & Duck after exiting the transport system.
🟣 Jumping on the Elizabeth Line to Soho! pic.twitter.com/hJKQPmCtHY
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2023
Princess Kate wore a long red coat by Eponine London (with a hint of blue lining) over a white skirt for the outing, a recycled piece from her closet that she previously wore during a visit to Wales during Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee weekend as well as a May 2021 outing surrounding the launch of the book Hold Still. She completed her look with white heels and a matching handbag. Meanwhile, Prince William dressed down in a suit with a blue button-down shirt and no tie.
They visited with personnel and representatives from other Soho hospitality and entertainment enterprises. The Nicholson's group owns the Dog & Duck Pub, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The traditional English tavern is just one of several in Nicholson's repertoire.
During related outings, William and Kate will occasionally sample the offerings on tap. In his formal remarks, the Princes of Wales joked that he would "likely fail once again to finish a pint of Guinness" while joining the Irish Guards for their yearly celebration at Aldershot on St. Patrick's Day.
The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted those gathered outside after spending some time in the pub.
Prince William informed some that he "just had a bit of cider" inside the pub, but that he was prioritising his coronation duties. "I will drink after the coronation, but not right now," he joked.
"We have a lot of visitors," Prince William said of all the people visiting London for the coronation. We're getting visitors from all over the world. Fantastic." He also spoke some French to one pair, saying things like "hello" and "how are you?"
"His French is not that good," Maud Garmy remarks.
With rain forecast for the coronation weekend, Prince William informed the crowd, "Crossing fingers for the weather!"
After meeting her, Princess Kate left some in the audience wiping away tears.
"Kate reminds me of Princess Diana — the way she dresses, the way she interacts with the crowd," Emma Bird, who is celebrating her birthday, says. The word is aura. She was born to be a princess and had no idea."
The couple's visit to the Dog & Duck was their first public appearance of coronation week, and preparations for the historic crowning ceremony are well underway. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended a rehearsal at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday morning with their children, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5. The royal family was joined for the practise by King Charles, 74, Queen Camilla, 75, and Princess Anne, 72.
The entrance of the Wales family in the Dean's Yard behind Westminster Abbey coincided with a change of classes at neighbouring Westminster School. When the kids passing through between lessons noticed the family, they waved excitedly — and Princess Charlotte returned the gesture.
According to a bystander, Kate appeared comfortable and cheerful during the outing.
Even King Charles appeared at relaxed, despite the fact that his coronation was only a few days away. "He was smiling broadly," a witness recalls.
On Saturday, over 2,200 people will throng Westminster Abbey for the coronation, in which the Wales family will play a prominent part. As the next two in line to the throne, Prince William and Prince George will attend the church ceremony with poignancy.
The Prince of Wales will pay tribute to King Charles, pledging his loyalty and allegiance. Meanwhile, Prince George will serve as a Page of Honour with Queen Camilla's three grandsons, assisting the King.
"His parents are very excited and delighted that he is a page," a representative for the Prince and Princess of Wales told HotGossipNewz earlier. "It's something his parents have thought about long and hard and are very excited about — and I'm sure George is, too."
