The Prince and Princess of Wales at the Dog and Duck pub in Soho Photo: Jamie Lorriman
The Prince of Wales said the Royal Family «enjoys the practice » coronation rehearsals just 48 hours before his father's.
Thursday afternoon, while visiting the Dog and Duck pub in Soho, the Prince and Princess of Wales toasted the coronation and discussed their excitement with local business owners about the upcoming holiday weekend.
To the surprise of unsuspecting members of the public, the royal couple boarded the Elizabeth Line train at Acton Main Line station.
The Palace Administrator handed them Oyster cards before being greeted by Andy Lord, Commissioner for Transport for London (TFL).
While royal aides said the couple sometimes traveled privately on the subway, it was understood that this was the first time they traveled to their engagement on it.
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Being on the line Elizabeth, they got to know the TFL staff and found out how they are preparing for the upcoming weekend.
Thanking the public for their efforts
The Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to meet with local innkeepers and business owners ahead of the Bank Holiday celebrations to learn about their coronation preparations and thank you for their efforts.
Coming out of a new Exiting Dean Street on the Elizabeth line, the royal couple headed towards Dog and Duck in the sun, greeting well-wishers along the way.
The prince drank the first pint of Coronation's special beer, and the princess spoke of the «really fantastic atmosphere» the celebration created across the country.
«It's really fun,» she added.
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In a conversation with pub staff and local businessmen, the princess said that her three children were deeply immersed in preparations for the Saturday ceremony.
“Today the children at school have a coronation celebration,” she said.
< p>She also explained that her eldest son, Prince George, would be an honorary page in the service of Westminster Abbey.
When asked if George was excited, she replied: “I'm really excited. After a few rehearsals, I think everyone relaxed a bit.”
in pubs,” the Prince of Wales said. “People have become more relaxed. Restaurants, you don't understand. You get it from eating, but not from talking.» Photo: Jamie Lorriman
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old prince sipped a pint of Mortimer's Orchard cider.
“I think pubs are the best places to talk,” he said. “People have become more relaxed. Restaurants, you don't understand. You get it with food, but not with talk.”
Companies expecting a boom
The royal couple spoke to local business managers who were expecting a boom in trade this weekend, with extended hours.
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Chris Watts, regional manager for Nicholson's, the pub chain that owns Dog and Duck, said: «We're going to use extended hours. There will be special music events in some of our pubs.»
Nicholson's is also celebrating its 150th anniversary, so «it will be a weekend of celebration», he added.
The The Prince was also honored to pour the first pint of Kingmaker Pale Ale, a special Coronation beer brewed for Nicholson's.
Professional done, Mr. Watts said.
«Not really,» William replied, adding, «I don't have much experience with beer pranks. I'm not that bad at pints, but pints…»
«Fingers crossed for the weather»
Although the pub was closed to drinkers during the visit of the royal couple, they spent about 20 minutes there. on a walk, meeting well-wishers and posing for selfies with them, many of whom were foreign tourists who came to the UK for the coronation.
The prince spoke to some tourists about the participation of the royal family in the coronation rehearsals, saying: «We enjoy the practice . It keeps us busy. Fingers crossed for the weather.”
“We have a very international crowd here,” he added. «Enjoy your weekend.»
The Princess of Wales waves to well-wishers outside the Dog and Duck pub in Soho Credit : PETER NICHOLLS/REUTERS
While on the subway, the prince asked the TFL staff how the reception on the Elizabeth line had been since it opened, and they told him «everyone loves it».
The late queen almost opened the line a year ago, May 17, 2022.
Speaking after the couple left the station, Mr Lord said: “It was amazing to welcome them on their first visit to the Elizabeth Line. It is approaching the anniversary of its unveiling by the Queen and they were very impressed with it.”
Talking to TFL workers.
The royal couple also met with Carinne Spinola, a train driver, to discuss her career aspirations.
Speaking after the conversation, the princess said, “It's nice to meet the train driver. Obviously, women aspire to get this profession. She said the job posting was posted on Mumsnet.”
Kensington Palace also invited Francis Bourgeois, a train enthusiast, to ride the train with the royal couple as an observer.
He has over a million followers on Instagram, and aides said they hope he can share the experience with a younger audience.
The couple also met David Pierce, a fleet manager. , and Maria Serko, maintenance engineer.
Speaking to Miss Serko about the opening of the Elizabeth line last year, the prince said: “I can't believe it's been almost a year. It's really nice to be able to see it all after my grandma opened it.»
King would approve of a greener line
Prince also asked Mr. Grindley, «How green are we now?» He laughed before adding, «You know, I have to ask that question!»
He then heard that the trains were electric and that much of the land dug to build the line was being reused for a nature reserve .
«That's good. They're clearly thinking about it now,» he said.
After asking if any of them would be working this weekend, the princess added: » Do you think there will be additional pressure on the service during the coronation weekend? How do you manage it?
One of them asked how the royal family was preparing for the historic event, and the princess replied: moving in. I still feel like we're trying to get ducks in a row.»
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