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CoronavirusPrince & Princess of Wales

The Duke of Cambridge shows support for pubs as reopening gets under way

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge has popped to the local pub as the hospitality trade across England prepares to open up again after months of closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As pubs and restaurants across the country got ready to welcome back visitors, William spent time at a centuries old inn to hear how they hope to get back to business as lockdown eases.

The Duke of Cambridge headed to the Rose and Crown at Snettisham, about 5 miles from his home at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, to meet staff as they got ready to reopen. Just hours ahead of the relaxation of rules, William was given an overview of the changes that have been brought in to allow customers to have a pint again.

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On his arrival, William used the hand sanitiser that greets visitors now while he was given an explanation of how numbers at the pub will be controlled and how owners are ensuring everyone keeps safe. And those changes were clear when the Duke came to order his drink. After requesting a cider at the bar, he was reminded to wait at his table where the drink would be brought to him.

During a chat in the beer garden, the second in line to the throne heard about the challenges of the past three months from landlords Anthony and Jeannette Goodrich. They had to furlough staff as the lockdown began, closing the doors of the pub which has stood in Snettisham for 600 years.

The couple explained that from July 4th 2020, when pubs can reopen, the tables would be spaced to make sure social distancing can continue while the menu has been scaled back to allow a quicker and safer service.

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The Duke of Cambridge also discussed the restrictions that are still in place including children’s play areas being out of bounds for the forseeable future. He also spoke about everyone’s responsibility to keep social distancing in place.

Announcing the visit on their official social media, Kensington Palace added the message ”Wishing everyone a safe weekend”.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.