Prince William has committed to championing British pubs, declaring them essential spaces for fostering genuine human connection and serving as community anchors.
During a visit to The Gothenburg pub in Fallin, a former mining village situated four miles east of Stirling, the Prince of Wales expressed his deep affection for pub culture.
"I want to help pubs. This is the best place to come and get to know each other," he said, describing local establishments as "the heart of the community."
The heir to the throne, who ordered half a pint of cider during the Scottish engagement, added: "I grew up in pubs. I absolutely love pubs."
Prince William steps in to back British tradition with vow: ‘I want to help pubs’
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His pledge comes amid a deepening crisis for the British pub industry, with approximately one establishment shutting permanently each day across England and Wales throughout 2025.
The sector has witnessed 15,000 closures nationwide since the turn of the millennium.
Pub landlords have warned their businesses face collapse due to escalating costs, particularly following business rates adjustments announced in Rachel Reeves' Budget, which have seen some venues experience their tax obligations double overnight.
Ministers have indicated they are developing relief measures for affected establishments, though specific details of any support package remain unpublished.
Prince William also claimed that he 'grew up in pubs'
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The Gothenburg operates under a distinctive model that channels profits directly back into the local area, including providing subsidised rental accommodation for young people saving towards home ownership.
Beyond serving drinks, the venue functions as a hub for community activities such as bowls.
After hearing about these social benefits from locals, including publican Rob Donaldson, 57, Prince William emphasised the value of face-to-face interaction.
"It's crucial. It's the human-to-human contact, isn't it, rather than just being on the phone or watching TV," he remarked.
The prince sat with a group of local men who explained how The Goth maintains its strong community ties
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The prince sat with a group of local men who explained how The Goth maintains its strong community ties.
During the conversation, William joined in laughter when the topic of friendly ribbing between mates arose.
"A bit of slagging off, we all need that occasionally. It brings us back down to earth," he joked.
The Princess of Wales, who declined to order a beverage, chatted with teachers at another table and received a handmade crochet bunny from Adele Hodgson, 70, intended for Princess Charlotte.
The Princess of Wales declined to order a beverage
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Kate told the gift-maker that her 10-year-old daughter would "absolutely love that. She's got lots of teddies on her bed."
As the couple prepared to depart, the Princess noticed her husband's half-finished cider and told him: "You need to finish that."
William laughed, responding that he wished to remain on "best behaviour."