Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, delegated beer tasting to her husband during a brewery visit, mentioning a reduction in alcohol intake “since my diagnosis.” Following her chemotherapy in 2024 and subsequent remission announcement last year, Kate refrained from alcohol consumption. At Fabal beerhall, she and Prince William learned about the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a hub for craft breweries and tap rooms. Politely declining the offer to sample beer and cider due to health concerns, Kate expressed the need for heightened alcohol awareness post-diagnosis.
Engaging with brewery owner Hannah Rhodes, Kate playfully remarked on William’s cider preference. Meanwhile, William indulged in a variety of beers and ciders, including those crafted by Rhodes utilizing honey from bee hives as a sugar substitute in fermentation. Known for beekeeping at Anmer Hall, Kate savored honey from the hives, highlighting the seasonal taste variations. Delving into beekeeping knowledge, she elaborated on honey harvesting techniques, showcasing her passion for the craft.
The royal couple also explored brewing at Southwark Brewing company, a prominent craft beer establishment along the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Participating in a pint-pulling competition, they impressed the brewery staff with their skills. Playfully bantering with the staff, William extended birthday wishes via video call to Jackson’s son, a celebrant in Manchester, before emphasizing the societal importance of pubs as community spaces.
Subsequently, the couple journeyed by boat to the RNLI lifeboat station on the Thames, where they learned about the station’s operations and the upcoming Boat Race preparations. Tower Lifeboat Station, operational around the clock, hosted the royals as part of the RNLI Lifeguards’ 25th-anniversary celebrations. The visit underscored the RNLI’s vital role in safeguarding lives along Britain’s waterways. Prior engagements with RNLI crews in Cornwall and Anglesey further demonstrated the royals’ commitment to maritime safety and rescue efforts.