The Duke of Cambridge was out and about incognito on Thursday, selling magazines to unsuspecting pedestrians on the streets of London.
Uncovered by regular people milling about in London, William was helping to sell issues of The Big Issue, a magazine written by the homeless community, with proceeds going back to charities.
The royal was sporting one of the red hats and vests worn by magazine sellers and took selfies with those who recognised him—though he was quick to pull out the debit machine to make sales for those not carrying cash.
A London cab driver, Neil Kramer, spoke with the Evening Standard about meeting the Duke of Cambridge. He said that it was a shock when he realised who he was talking to.
Kramer said, “He then introduced the other gentlemen with him and we had a lovely chat for 15 mins about the charity and its work.
“I was asked if I was a regular reader and pointed out there is always an opportunity to buy the magazine when on a rank or charging up.
“All of sudden I was made aware of a group of people who had also noticed who I was talking to.”
A business owner who didn’t give his name also recognised William but didn’t want to distract him, instead choosing to wave at the future king. “I was on the other side of the road to him, and I waved over at him. And bear in mind one day he’ll be King; he didn’t wait for us to step across to him – he crossed the road to us like he’d seen a friend,” he told the Telegraph.
The Big Issue works to support the homeless community, with its vendors working to bring themselves out of poverty. All vendors buy the magazines they sell for 50% of the cover price and work with professionals “to foster a professional relationship and encourage them to meet the sales objectives in line with their own aspirations and expectations established for their pitch,” according to the magazine’s website.
Prince William has made homelessness one of his major areas of focus. His first official royal patronage was with a homelessness charity, and he has continued this work throughout the years.
Kensington Palace, however, has declined to comment on William’s sales outing.
