Staff at a Wiltshire village pub received an unexpected royal visitor on Thursday when Prince William arrived for a working lunch during official Duchy of Cornwall business.
The 43-year-old prince's party had reserved two tables at The Walnut Tree Inn in Mere approximately one week beforehand, booking for nine guests without revealing their identity.
The future king sat with five Duchy associates at one table whilst his three security personnel occupied a separate table.
The group had specifically requested private seating and were accommodated in a secluded area of the establishment, according to pub owner William Friend-James.
Prince William's team leave £75 tip at Wiltshire pub before posing for group photograph
|FACEBOOK: THE WALNUT TREE INN
Prince William opted for the establishment's homemade burger, which features Emmental cheese, lettuce, tomato, gherkin, coleslaw and relish served in a brioche bun, priced at £18.95.
He paired the meal with lemonade whilst his dining companions selected dishes including homemade pie and sea bass.
The prince dressed casually for the occasion, sporting a grey jumper, blue jeans and green Wellington boots, having arrived directly from visiting a nearby Duchy estate.
The working lunch lasted approximately 90 minutes to two hours, during which the group conducted their meeting undisturbed.
The Walnut Tree Inn in Wiltshire was visited by Prince William
|FACEBOOK: THE WALNUT TREE INN
"He was very polite and said the food was lovely and there was great service. He was really pleased," the owner told the Salisbury Journal.
The prince's security team settled the bill and left a generous £75 gratuity for the staff.
When regular customer Gary Fermor encountered William leaving the toilets, he seized the opportunity to request a photograph.
The heir to the throne graciously agreed, posing alongside server Lisa James and regulars Fermor and Nick Lowe.
The Prince of Wales arriving for the Tusk Conservation Awards at The Savoy Hotel in central London
| PAInitial requests for photographs had been declined by security personnel, but William personally consented when approached directly.
"We made sure that the food was even better than it usually is!" Mr Friend-James remarked about the kitchen's efforts for their royal guest.
The Walnut Tree Inn shared news of the royal visit on Facebook, prompting enthusiastic responses from the local community.
"Spectacular! We love it there as well. Well chosen, HRH," one resident commented on the post, whilst another wrote: "He picked the right place. Didn't realise how tall he is."
William engaging with the public, taking selfies and stopping for conversation
| PAThe pub's social media announcement thanked staff members Lisa and Grace, along with the kitchen team, for their service during the visit.
Mr Friend-James, who acquired the pub with his twin brother Simon approximately one year ago, expressed satisfaction with the community's reaction.
"What's been lovely is the response on Facebook from the community, which is great testament to the pub and the support the local community gives pubs like ours," he said.