Gatecrashing a birthday party might be unbecoming of a royal, but that's exactly what Prince Charles did when he dropped by The Ritz in London with the intention of extending his gratitude to the hospitality workers.
But instead of getting thrown out of the hotel, the Prince of Wales got elbow-bumps from the party guests, who were indeed surprised by the royal's presence. The party consisted of a group of women enjoying a friend's 50th birthday bash.
According to Daily Mail, Prince Charles was wearing a mask when he toured the famous hotel. The heir to the throne got re-acquainted with the executive chef, John Williams, who used to prepare meals for the royal family. The royal stuck around for 10 minutes to chat with the hotel service crew, who also demonstrated a dish they were preparing for the party.
The Prince of Wales was heard telling the hospitality workers that the country wouldn't manage without their "tireless efforts." The royal said that he's glad that the hospitality industry is bouncing back amid worries about the impact of the pandemic lockdown on the economy and tourism.
But there is actually one party where the Prince of Wales isn't invited despite his close association with the family. According to reports, the royal's goddaughter, India Hicks, is getting married to her long-term partner, David Flint Wood. But due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the couple decided to have a tiny wedding.
Hicks said in an interview that Prince Charles might not be able to witness her wedding anyway since the royal is an incredibly busy man. However, she said that the Prince of Wales always has this "magical ability" to make her feel that he is always there.
Prince Charles' goddaughter was only 13 when she served as one of the bridesmaids of Princess Diana when she married the Prince of Wales in 1981. Apparently, Hicks still receives a Christmas gift from her godfather every year, even as an adult.
Meanwhile, days before he visited The Ritz, Prince Charles joined his mother, Queen Elizabeth, and the rest of the senior members of the royal family in Windsor Castle. The rare gathering outside the Queen's home took place because the royals wanted to personally thank the frontline workers in Berkshire.
The show of force has royal observers saying that Prince Charles' dream of a "slimmed-down" monarchy could soon be realized with just the Queen, the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, Prince William and Kate, Prince Edward and Sophie, as well as Princess Anne. They apparently make up the new Firm.
