The Princess of Wales delegated the beer tasting duties to her husband during a brewery visit, mentioning that she had reduced her alcohol intake “since my diagnosis.” Kate, aged 44, underwent chemotherapy in 2024 and revealed last year that she was in remission from cancer.
At the Fabal beerhall, Kate and Prince William learned about the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a hub for various craft breweries and tap rooms. When offered beer and cider to taste, Kate declined, explaining to owner Hannah Rhodes: “Since my diagnosis, I haven’t consumed much alcohol. It’s something I have to be more mindful of now.” In response, Rhodes offered Kate a non-alcoholic drink, to which Kate nodded appreciatively.
Turning to Prince William, Kate jokingly remarked about his fondness for cider. Prince William proceeded to sample a selection of beers and ciders, including some from Rhodes’ brand Hiver, which uses honey from bee hives as a sugar substitute in the brewing process.
Known to keep beehives at her Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall, Kate sampled honey by dipping a stick into a jar and noted, “If you harvest honey from the hives in early summer, it tastes distinct.” Discussing honey harvesting methods, she added, “If the honey is harvested when it’s moist, natural fermentation occurs.” William playfully commented on Kate’s bee knowledge, joking, “She’s quite the bee expert. Watch what you say, you might get corrected.”
Earlier in the day, William and Kate engaged in brewing activities at the nearby Southwark Brewing company, one of the initial small-batch breweries in the Bermondsey Beer Mile established in 2014 beneath the railway arches.
Interacting with Peter Jackson, 66, they learned how to add hops to the brewing process, with William noting the unique aroma during the process. Following a friendly competition to pour the best pint, which they excelled at, Jackson humorously suggested they return for a work shift.
Later, they video-called Jackson’s son, Will, to wish him a happy 34th birthday as he celebrated in Manchester. William jovially inquired if the celebration was on his father’s tab and shared their experience at the brewery, emphasizing the importance of pubs as community gathering spots.
In continuation of their day, William and Kate donned RNLI gear for a boat ride down the River Thames to the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station, where they participated in activities, conversed with staff and volunteers, and learned about the station’s critical work in lifesaving operations.
During their visit, they inquired about the station’s operations, emergency response times, and volunteer recruitment. They also interacted with Bridge Watch members, who assist individuals in distress on bridges, discussing the significance of building trust and providing support.
Expressing appreciation for the station’s efforts, William and Kate were presented with RNLI memorabilia before departing, amidst well-wishers expressing gratitude and offering greetings. The RNLI Tower station, operational year-round, responds to emergencies along the Thames and has already been deployed 45 times this year.
