Prince William turned a routine royal exit into a viral moment after one fan shouted a greeting most people do not usually aim at the future king.
The Prince of Wales, 43, was leaving The Prince of Peckham pub in South London on June 3 when a fan called out, “I love you, bro!” as William waved from the back of a chauffeured car. People reported that William stopped the vehicle, reached his arm out of the window, and shook the fan’s hand.
The moment was brief, but the reaction was immediate. The crowd cheered, William smiled, and the casual shout turned into one of the most replayed clips from his Peckham visit.
The Shout Got William’s Attention
Video shared online showed a group of young men cheering as William’s car moved past them after the engagement. When one fan repeated, “I love you, bro,” William leaned into the exchange instead of simply waving and leaving.
People reported that William told the group, “Thanks! Bye, guys,” as the cheering continued. Another person nearby said he could not believe what had happened, and a security officer appeared amused by the reaction.
The clip spread partly because it looked so informal. Royal walkabouts often include handshakes and quick conversations, but a car stopping mid-exit for a sidewalk greeting is not the usual version of a royal farewell.
The Pub Visit Had a Community Purpose
William’s visit to The Prince of Peckham was focused on social isolation, local connection, and the role pubs can play as community spaces.
The Prince of Peckham was founded by Clement Ogbonnaya in 2017 as an inclusive “public house for all.” People reported that Ogbonnaya was recognized in King Charles’ 2026 New Year’s Honours List for his community contributions.
The Morning Advertiser reported that William met staff, customers, and participants in the pub’s “Chatty Patty” initiative, which offers free tea, conversation, and companionship to local people each week.
William Pulled a Pint Behind the Bar
View this post on Instagram
Inside the pub, William joined Ogbonnaya behind the bar and tried pulling a pint. The Irish News reported that he poured a Red Stripe, compared his effort with Ogbonnaya’s, and called it “pretty good” as guests applauded.
William also spoke about why pubs matter to local communities. Sky News reported that he said he loves pubs and wants to support them because he loves the community, adding, “We need to protect our pubs.”
The visit also included a food stop. William tried the pub’s jerk chicken and joked that he hoped Deliveroo could bring it to Windsor.
His Peckham Visit Also Included a Local Charity
Earlier that day, William visited Pecan, a Peckham-based community charity that supports people dealing with poverty, isolation, and lack of opportunity.
InStyle reported that William spoke there about how constant phone use and a steady stream of negative news can leave people feeling overwhelmed and isolated.
That made The Prince of Peckham visit part of a broader day around mental health and community support, not just a lighthearted pub appearance. The “I love you, bro” clip gave the day its viral ending, but the visit itself was built around the same idea William had been discussing inside: people need places where they can talk, gather, and feel less alone.