A brief, previously undisclosed visit by Prince William to a Windsor pub earlier this year has triggered a sharp rise in tourism and foot traffic, underscoring the economic impact of even informal royal appearances. The Prince of Wales, 43, stopped by The Two Brewers in Windsor on Feb. 4, 2025, to film a segment of Apple TV's travel series The Reluctant Traveler, an appearance whose commercial effect only became clear after the episode aired in early October.
The visit, filmed alongside Emmy-winning actor Eugene Levy, 79, transformed a low-key corner of the pub into a focal point for royal watchers and tourists. Located just steps from Windsor Castle's Cambridge Gate, The Two Brewers has since seen a steady stream of visitors seeking to experience what staff now jokingly refer to as "The Future King's Corner."
Stuart O'Brien, the pub's owner, said the impact became apparent shortly after broadcast. "But yes! A lot of people coming in, a lot of tourists come in because they've seen the show," O'Brien said. He added that the attention has been amplified by other television exposure. "We're also mentioned on a British show called Gogglebox, which is on one of the channels, which is huge in England," he said. "So, lots of people then come because of that as well. It's been really good for business - really good for business."
Industry analysts often refer to the so-called "Kate effect," in which clothing worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, rapidly sells out. The response to Prince William's pub visit suggests a comparable influence within the hospitality sector, particularly when paired with global streaming platforms that extend royal visibility beyond traditional audiences.
The booth where Prince William and Levy filmed has become the most requested seat in the pub. O'Brien said staff have embraced the attention with humor. "At the moment, we're kind of calling it 'The Future King's Corner' for just a bit of a laugh, and then we'll upgrade it to 'The King's Corner' as and when," he said. "But yeah, 'The Royal Table,' or 'The Future King's Corner,' as people like to say."
To mark the occasion, the pub installed a framed still from the filming above the booth, along with a plaque noting the date of the visit. Another photograph of the prince now hangs above the bar. O'Brien recalled that Prince William agreed to the display with one request, saying the picture could be shown "as long as it goes directly in the middle" of a blackboard detailing the pub's history.
Beyond the commercial lift, O'Brien emphasized the impression the future monarch left behind. "He's so down-to-earth - so normal," he said. "And that's what (the royals) are. They're human beings at the end of the day. Just because they have a title, they're human, and they have lives as well."
Key details surrounding the visit include:
- Date of filming: Feb. 4, 2025
- Series: The Reluctant Traveler on Apple TV
- Location: The Two Brewers, Windsor, near Windsor Castle
