Prince of Ales! William enjoys traditional country pub lunch before surprising staff with a massive tip
The Prince of Wales surprised staff when he popped in for a traditional pub lunch and even left a £75 tip at an inn in Wiltshire.
While Prince William was visiting the town of Mere on official Duchy of Cornwall business, he and a few friends called into The Walnut Tree Inn.
On Thursday, he stunned staff when they realized the booking for nine people, made a week in advance, was actually for royalty.
Three security guards were sitting at one table, while William and five others were having lunch at a separate table.
After tucking into his £18.95 home-cooked burger and fries, bar staff asked the heir to the throne for a quick photo.
The future monarch welcomed and posed with staff member Lisa James and regulars Nick Lowe and Gary Fermor.
He was wearing a smart gray sweater, blue jeans, and a pair of green boots, having just visited a nearby Ducal estate.
The royal party was in the bar for 90 minutes.
While Prince William was visiting the Wiltshire town of Mere on official Duchy of Cornwall business, he and a few friends called into the Walnut Tree Inn (Pictured with staff member Lisa James and regulars Nick Lowe and Gary Fermor)
Prince William stunned staff at the bar on Thursday (pictured) after realizing a booking for nine people made a week in advance was actually for royalty.
According to staff, William’s security team footed both the bill and a generous £75 tip.
William Friend-James, owner of the Walnut Tree Inn, said: ‘About a week ago we made a reservation for nine people at two separate tables but didn’t know who it was.
‘Everyone was a bit shocked when the Prince of Wales walked in.
‘I didn’t know who he was with, but they were from the Duchy and six of us were having a lunch meeting at a table.
‘Wiliam ate our homemade burger, fries and lemonade. Others in his group were eating homemade pie, and one was eating sea bass.
‘Someone asked for a photo and the security guards said no but then he went to the toilet alone and Lisa asked him if he minded taking a photo and he said yes.
‘It was a great pleasure to host him.’
The Walnut Tree Inn was first built around 1840 and stood until 1938. It has since been redeveloped twice, most recently in 2005.
