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.
The 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.
Despite the ongoing heatwave, William was dressed in his usual smart attire, wearing a light grey suit jacket and dark chinos. One woman who met the royal wisely brought a parasol to keep the heat away, something that William was quick to point out.
© Getty ImagesLater 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.
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.
During 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.
