The Prince and Princess of Wales were out and about on Thursday ahead of the Coronation and visited Dog & Duck Pub in Soho where they met with the members of the staff, and representatives of the hospitality field to learn how they are preparing for the Coronation weekend and how the event has impacted the recreation business in the area. Yesterday they attended the Coronation rehearsals with the King and Queen at Westminster Abbey.
Part of the Nicholson group, the Dog & Duck Club is marking its 150th anniversary this year. The Nicholson group is hosting various coronation-related events at its chain of clubs and pubs over the weekend.
Surprising the travellers, The Prince and Princess of Wales hopped on the Elizabeth Line from Acton Main Line to Tottenham Court Road.
During the journey, The Royal couple talked to the members of the frontline transport staff and learned about the train service. This was their first public journey on the line that was renamed after the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2016. Although the Palace has revealed that members of the Royal family do travel through Trains privately.
Going underground 🚇💜 pic.twitter.com/9V5x8JZU2P
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 4, 2023
Just like fellow travellers, the couple used an Oyster card to pay the fare. The oyster card is the London travelling card. They learned how the staff is preparing for the tens of thousands of public members arriving and departing the city during the Coronation weekend.
“It’s going to be a busy time. We’re getting there. I still feel like we’re trying to get ducks in a row” – The Princess of Wales
Crowds lined the streets to see the Prince and Princess of Wales this afternoon.
William and Kate travelled on the Elizabeth Line – named after his grandmother- from Acton to Tottenham Court Road before visiting a pub in Soho.
Latest: https://t.co/TAB7JSOiYc pic.twitter.com/3xNUimYDml
— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 4, 2023
Prince William and Princess Catherine received a huge welcome when they arrived at the Soho Club.
Inside the pub, they talked to the local business representatives and tried their hands at pouring pints. The Coronation weekend is expected to give a huge boost to the hospitality and tourism sector of the country that got the worst hit during the pandemic. With Millions of people travelling from various countries to witness the event, it is expected that it will help sustain many businesses that are still recovering from COVID losses.
“Pubs are expected to receive a £120 million boost from the coronation. The British Beer and Pub Association said breweries and pubs would pour 62 million pints during the bank holiday weekend. Hospitality venues will benefit from extended opening hours, with many serving customers until 1 AM throughout the weekend. The trade body UK Hospitality believes the sector could be in for a £1 billion boost this month thanks to the coronation, two further bank holidays and Eurovision in Liverpool.” – The Times
There were selfies, smiles, flowers, and jokes during the walkabout as well as some nervousness due to the rain predictions on Saturday.
What The Princess of Wales wore to visit Dogs & Duck Club
Heading towards The Princess of Wales style – Catherine was looking elegant in a familiar outfit.
The Princess of Wales was wearing her Eponine London Double-wool Crepe coat that she first wore in May 2021 when she launched Hold Still 2020 Book. The coat was officially named ‘The Coat Dress’.
Underneath the coat, Catherine was wearing her Suzannah Fashion Wiggle Tea Dress that she debuted on Day 2 of the Wimbledon Tournament in July 2019.
The Princess paired the outfit with Maria Black Cha-Cha Earrings first seen during a visit to Denmark in February 2022.
She was wearing Jimmy Choo Romy 85 Leather Pumps debuted in July 2021 when she attended the Wimbledon tournament’s fifth day.
Catherine was carrying her Mulberry Small Amberley Crossbody White Small Classic Grain that she first carried in July 2021 during the fifth day of Wimbledon.
Tomorrow, The Prince and Princess of Wales will join the King and members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace for a lunch in the afternoon for the Governors-General of the Realms and a reception in the evening for the Foreign Royals and other guests.
