Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare hitting the town in London — just two days before the coronation!
On Thursday afternoon, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Dog & Duck Pub in Soho to hear how the tavern is preparing forKing CharlesandQueen Camilla’scoronationweekend. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to flood the city for a glimpse of the royal festivities, theBBCreported, and business will likely boom at the Dog & Duck, just a mile from Buckingham Palace.
Prince William, 40, and Princess Kate, 41, took the Tube — the city’s public subway, also known as the London Underground — to the pub. “Jumping on the Elizabeth Line to Soho!” a photo of them sitting on the train was captioned on social media, riding on the route named in honor ofPrince William’s late grandmotherQueen Elizabeth.
After getting off the transportation system, they walked down Frith Street to the Dog & Duck.
Meanwhile,Prince Williamwore a suit with a blue button-down shirt sans tie.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images
William and Kate will occasionally try the offerings on tap during related outings. While joining the Irish Guards for their annual celebration at Aldershot on St. Patrick’s Day, the Princes of Wales joked that he would “likely fail once again tofinish a pint of Guinness” in his formal remarks.
After spending some time in the pub, the Prince and Princess of Wales greeted some of those gathered outside.
Prince Williamtold some people that he “just had a bit of cider” inside the pub but added that he was putting his coronation responsibilities first. “I will drink after the coronation but not now,” he quipped.
Prince William.JAMIE LORRIMAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Of all the people visiting London for the crowning,Prince Williamsaid, “We have a lot of visitors. We are getting people from all over the world. Fantastic.” He also spoke some French to one couple, saying simple phrases such as “hello” and “how are you.”
“His French is not that good,” Maud Garmy says.
Amid weather reports predicting some rain for the coronation weekend,Prince Williamtold the crowd, “Crossing fingers for the weather!”
JAMIE LORRIMAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Princess Kate left some in the crowd wiping away tears after they met her.
Emma Bird, who is celebrating her birthday, says, “Kate reminds me of Princess Diana — the way she dresses, the way she is with the crowd. Aura is the word. She was born to be a princess, and she didn’t know.”
Kate also gave a wave to the people looking at the street from their windows, prompting cheers.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images
Prince Williamand Princess Kate marked their day out with a few social media posts.
“Saying a big thank you to the transport and hospitality workers who will be working so hard across the #Coronation weekend,” their team wrote onInstagramwith a number of images from the engagement. “A big thank you to@transportforlondon, the team at the 🐕 & 🦆 as well as everyone who came out to say hello.
The couple’s trip to the Dog & Duck was theirfirst official appearanceof the coronation week, and preparations are in full swing for the historic crowning ceremony. On Wednesday morning, the Prince and Princess of Walesattended a rehearsalat Westminster Abbey with their children,Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5. The family joined King Charles, 74, Queen Camilla, 75, andPrincess Anne, 72, for the practice.
The Wales family arrival at the Dean’s Yard behind Westminster Abbey coincided with a class change at neighboring Westminster School. When the kids moving between lessons spotted the family, they excitedly waved — andPrincess Charlottereturned the gesture.
Even King Charles appeared at ease with just a few days to go to his crowning. “He was smiling broadly,” says a witness.
Over 2,200 guests will fill Westminster Abbey for the coronation on Saturday, where the Wales family will play a visible role.Prince WilliamandPrince Georgewill poignantly participate in the church service as the next two people in the line of succession to the throne.
The Prince of Wales willpay homageto King Charles, stepping forward to pledge his loyalty and allegiance. Meanwhile,Prince Georgeis set to serve as aPage of Honoralongside Queen Camilla’sthree grandsonsand support his grandfather the King.
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“His parents are very excited and delighted that he is a page,” a spokesperson for the Prince and Princess of Wales previously told PEOPLE of the mood. “It’s something that his parents have thought long and hard about and are very much looking forward to — and I’m sure George is, too.”
source: people.com
