Prince William, 44, joined his father King Charles and Queen Camilla on a poignant outing on Wednesday, remembering the lives lost in the Aberfan mining disaster on 21 October 1966.
During the royal engagement, the royals met with politicians, survivors and bereaved families as well as other members of the public. In a potentially awkward situation, William was stuck chatting to an enthusiastic royal fan, despite attempts to politely end the conversation.
When the clip surfaced online via royal fan account, @myroyalnews, online users praised the royal's patience and kind nature as he failed to break away from the conversation for quite some time.
"He made her day. She will be speaking of this for a long, long time," wrote one, and: "Charming and respectful. The future King," added another. A third penned: "Sorry, I think that lady is a bit rude [to] keep on talking and wouldn’t listen to what William’s trying to say. But Prince William is handling it like a pro! So sweet of him."
A fourth wondered: "There must be a secret code for helping them move on, surely? I'm not being rude but we've all been in this situation right?"
It turns out that one royal family member did have a savvy way of getting herself out of these sorts of sticky situations.
© Getty ImagesLate Queen Elizabeth II's secret code for ending conversations
© GettyReportedly, Prince William's late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II used to move her handbag from her usual left arm to her right arm to signal when she'd like to be prompted to move on. Then, one of her team members would step in and encourage the monarch to move along the line.
What was the Aberfan disaster?
An entire generation was almost wiped out when 150,000 tonnes of coal waste slid down the hillside before engulfing Pantglas Junior School, following days of heavy rain. Around half the children from the school died in the tragedy.
On Wednesday, the royals visited the Aberfan Memorial Garden and the community centre before joining a prayer to remember those who died.
© Getty ImagesThe King shared heartfelt words during the trip, choosing to give a short speech. He described the disaster as "the saddest and most tragic of days imaginable.
"We have heard stories of heartbreak but also of heroism. We have heard of the most agonising grief but also of the most inspiring grace.
"Through all the years, your incomparable spirit has shone all the more brightly for the darkness which it has overcome. No one should ever have to bear what you as a community have endured, but no one could have borne it with greater strength, resilience or hope.
"So please know how deeply we feel with your sorrow, how greatly we admire your strength and how you will always be in our hearts."
