PULLING PINTS IN HISTORIC SOHO PUB THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES RAISE A GLASS TO THE CORONATION AMID CROWDS OF CHEERING FANS
REPORT: TRACY SCHAVERIEN
T he Prince and Princess of Wales got into the coronation spirit as they dropped into a London pub for a pint – after travelling on the new Elizabeth Line.
Prince William and Kate sipped cider in the Dog and Duck in Soho before posing for selfies with locals and tourists who had gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the pair during their surprise visit.
“We’ve got a very international crowd here,” William said as they met fans during a 20-minute walkabout. “Enjoy the weekend.”
They met pub staff and local business owners who were looking forward to welcoming revellers over the bank holiday weekend. A temporary change to licensing laws meant that pubs were permitted to stay open two hours beyond their usual closing time, up until 1am, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
“It’s really fun. There already seems to be a fantastic atmosphere,” Kate added.
William, 40, was tasked with pulling the first pint of Kingmaker Pale Ale, a special coronation beer brewed for pub chain Nicholson’s. “I’ve not got too much experience of pulling pints,” he admitted as he looked down at his foaming glass. “I’m not too bad at drinking pints, but pulling pints…”
He added: “I find you get the best conversations in pubs.”
Kate, 41, dressed patriotically in a white Suzannah London dress and a red coat with a blue lining from Eponine London, revealed that Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, were enjoying a coronation celebration at school, adding that George was excited about his role as a page of honour.
“He is, actually,” she said.
“Having done a few rehearsals, everyone is a bit more relaxed.”
GEARING UP
The couple’s unannounced visit to the pub, which dates back to 1734, was to highlight weekend celebrations in the area. Representatives of Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the Prince Edward Theatre, Bar Italia and the Randall & Aubin restaurant were also there to meet them.
And the pair were on fine form ahead of the coronation, displaying a natural rapport
