A man who was treated to a pint in Wetherspoons by Prince William has described the future King as ‘proper down to earth’.
The Prince of Wales, 42, was spotted in the Birmingham New Street branch of the popular pub chain after making an appearance at an event to mark his new role as Patron of the College of Paramedics.
The future king was apparently keen to speak to Aston Villa fans like himself ahead of last night’s match against Everton – which the Birmingham-based club won 1-0.
William bought a round of beers for eight Villa fans and sipped a pint of Bulmers cider, staying for around half an hour before catching a train back to London.
One of the punters at The London and North Western was Daniel Jones, a sixth form college student from Burntwood in Staffordshire.
‘He was a lovely guy,’ the 18-year-old said. ‘Proper down to earth and he loves Villa and the passion we all share.
‘I think if he didn’t have other commitments he would have loved to be at the match.’
John McEvoy, 64, from Solihull, who runs a catering equipment business, learned that a family friend had taken William to his first game – Villa against Bolton – and that the royal has supported the team ever since, even passing his love onto his eldest son Prince George, 11.
The Prince bought a round of beers for eight Villa fans, including Daniel Jones (pictured), and sipped a pint of Bulmers cider, staying for around half an hour before catching a train back to London
John added: ‘He said he would be watching the match on TV tonight. He was just a really nice, genuine bloke who really loves Villa.’
Steve Jones, 56, Villa fan for last 35 years, said: ‘We were contacted by the club saying Prince William wanted to meet a delegation of Villa fans as he was in Birmingham as he wanted to keep in the loop with everything going on at Villa.
‘He was fantastic. I was quite amazed about how engaged he was with the club, his interest. He’s not a fair weather fan. He really loves the club with a passion.
‘We spoke about the club, the transfers, the pending Champions League trip to Monaco, and all things Aston Villa. He asked many questions – he’s got a good level of interest.
‘It was 95 per cent chat about Villa as that’s our shared interest but a bit about his family. Young George is a Villa fan but he didn’t want all three to be Villa fans.
‘He was massively interested and seemed a really genuine guy and all he wanted to do is talk about Villa.
‘He said he was hopeful about beating Everton tonight and would be watching but was wary about new manager syndrome, or rather old manager syndrome.’
Earlier at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre Prince William was sent best wishes for his wife, Catherine, as he chatted to paramedics about issues including training, drones and hospital waiting times.
The future king was spotted in the Birmingham New Street Station branch of the popular pub chain after appearing at an event to mark his new role as Patron of the College of Paramedics
Prince William surprised day drinkers as he popped in for a pint at Wetherspoons on his way back from an official engagement
William was apparently keen to speak to Aston Villa fans like himself, ahead of the team playing Everton, and sipped a pint of cider
William was in Birmingham ahead of the clash between Aston Villa and Everton.
When he arrived at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre and greeted his hosts, he said: ‘I’ll be watching the game and keeping an eye on what’s going on.’
Taking to the stage, the prince made another reference to the game, saying: ‘It’s great to be back in Birmingham, and for any fellow Villa fans with us today – I look forward to celebrating our win over Everton later…’
Turning to his new role he said: ‘I am so pleased to be standing here as the College of Paramedics’ new Patron and to have the opportunity to join your first ever Emergency and Critical Care conference.
‘Often referred to as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of frontline healthcare, paramedics and those in the emergency services are adaptable, multi-skilled and crucially, know how to work under pressure.
‘This pressure is something I was all too familiar with during my time as a pilot for RAF Search and Rescue and for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
‘My time in these roles allowed me to better understand the day-to-day challenges that you all face and gave me the lifelong motivation to do all I can to support your community. It is not just another job.
‘Every day provides unpredictable challenges. Every shout is a journey into the unknown. Every split second decision, has immeasurable impact on so many people.’
Prince William looked dapper in a black slim-fit coat and opted for a smart matching black suit, a crisp white shirt, a navy blue tie and brown suede loafers
He also referred to his and Catherine’s visit to Southport in the autumn as part of his Royal Foundation’s work with the Blue Light Card Foundation, providing emergency responders with psychological support.
‘Speaking to the paramedics and other frontline care providers on that day, was another reminder of the horrors you can be met with, but also the vital job that you do,’ he said.
‘Saving lives is not the only challenge you face. In your role, you are there for people in the most critical and emotional moments, having to display care and skill in highly stressful and often distressing circumstances.
‘Working alongside you in Wales and East Anglia I know the team effort that is required to provide emergency health care, but I also know that at the beginning it is sometimes a lone paramedic.
‘In a car, on a bike, in a helicopter, in an ambulance, on foot. Your ability to calm the patient, to listen to their fears, to reassure them that help has arrived, is as important as the subsequent medical intervention.
‘But as you know all too well, this can lead to burnout and a significant impact on your mental wellbeing.
‘And with the role of the paramedic ever evolving – expanding into research, leadership and academic domains – there is increasingly pressure upon your shoulders.
‘So as well as doing what you do best in the care of others, it is vital that you are also there for yourselves and for each other. In particular, supporting paramedic students coming through the ranks, to ensure a strong, capable workforce for years to come.’
The talk is dedicated to supporting emergency responders in making effective decisions under pressure
During his visit, William smiled and chatted to various paramedics from different areas of the UK
He concluded: ‘We will never forget your unwavering and brave work during that period. I am so proud to become Patron of an organisation which is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics and fostering an environment where all paramedics can thrive.
‘In this country, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our emergency services. As paramedics in whatever guise, your work uniquely places tremendous demands upon you and I cannot thank you enough for all that you do.
The College of Paramedics was established in 2001 and is a membership organisation open to all UK paramedics registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and student paramedics.
It has more than 20,000 members improving professional standards, learning and development, and taking care of paramedics’ mental health and wellbeing.
In February last year, the College was granted the Royal Charter of Incorporation by the King.