Whenever the Prince of Wales heads out on engagements, we're used to him getting out of the back of a car as he makes his entrance.
But when he headed to Hastings on Thursday, William instead chose to arrive using East Hill funicular railway, the steepest in the UK. William was seen descending in the unique mode of transportation as he headed to the seaside town for a series of engagements highlighting its fishing community and the work of local youth-led and community-driven organisations.
He was greeted by a crowd of wellwishers, including a school party from Germany, several dogs and 15-month-old Sebastian Bowley, who promptly burst into tears when William crouched down to say hello. "I know how you feel," said the Prince. "It's hot down here! Are you having a dip?" he asked locals.
Four-year-old Arthur Turney, who was dressed as Spiderman, told the Prince he would go for a swim, "when I get older". "Today is the chance to swim,” William told him. "Go and make a big splash!"
© Getty ImagesThe royal started his day off by meeting local fishermen, and hearing about their experiences and the challenges that the industry is facing. He also toured several of the town's most historic buildings, the wooden net shops that are painted black.
William was presented with a silver winkle as he became an honorary member of The Winkle Club, a charitable organisation founded by local fishermen in 1900 to support deprived families in the area, which now supports good causes and community groups across the town. "That's a stunning winkle," said the Prince as he admired the gift, adding with a grin, "I will take good care of my winkle."
© Getty ImagesWilliam laughed as he was told how members of the Club, known as 'Winklers' carry a winkle shell which they must produce when challenged to 'Winkle Up'. Failure to do so results in a fine, which is donated to local charities. There is an exemption for anyone "in working gear", he was told. "I might do it on the Trooping of the Colour," he joked.
Previous holders of the title bestowed by the charitable organisation include Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, the Duke of Kent, Sir Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Lord Montgomery.
© Getty ImagesHe then met Paul Joy, chairman of the Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, who explained some of the challenges facing the industry and how fishing in the area has evolved over the years. The town's fishing heritage dates back more than 1,000 years and the industry continues to play a key role in the local economy. William heard how overfishing, bigger boats and Brexit had all contributed to difficulties faced by local fishermen.
He then climbed a ladder to board the Senlac Jack, a fishing vessel used to catch Dover Sole to hear more from Paul and other local fishermen. Before leaving, he was presented with a copy of the book Generations by John Cole, wrapped in a tea towel made from a design featuring the net shops by the famous artist and illustrator Robert Tavener.
Later in the day, William headed to the Hastings Adventure Miniature Golf, which hosted the 2026 World Crazy Golf Championships last month. He spoke to local champions at the venue, hearing about their experiences, while also meeting youths who were supported by XTrax, a youth charity in the town.
William was keen to show off his golfing skills, although the heir to the throne failed to score a hole in one on the course. One of the tickiest holes was the windmill, but William managed to make the hole on his second attempt.
He finished his day in the town by focusing on another of his pet projects, homelessness. William visited Hastings Common, a charity that takes derelict buildings in the community and transforms them into social spaces or homes.
© Getty ImagesDuring this part of his visit, William met the founder of the charity, while also touring the Common Room at Eagle House, which was transformed into a youth club.
William's brother's engagement
William's engagement meant that there was a distance of over 150 miles between him and his estranged brother, Prince Harry, who was up in Birmingham.
© Getty ImagesThe Duke of Sussex has spent much of the week in London, but on Thursday, he headed up to Birmingham, where his Invictus Games will be taking place next year.
Harry, who serves as a patron of WellChild, carried out an engagement for the charity, meeting Nicky Holt, who became WellChild's 53rd nurse back in October 2024.
