PRINCE William might be next in line to the throne but one little boy not only failed to recognise him – but somehow managed to mistake him for “the government”.
The Prince of Wales has been praised for joking and laughing his way through an “adorable” chat with a three-year-old during a walkabout in Windsor in Berkshire.
A viral video reveals Prince William’s ‘sweet’ meeting with a confused young boy
William was visiting with his wife Kate when introduced to the young boy who seemed excited to be there – only a little confused.
A new TikTok video clip has revealed the moment the future king was asked by the youngster: “How long until we are going to be able to see Prince William?”
The royal played along, winking at the boy’s parents and joking: “We don’t know where he is! Have you seen him yet?”
After the boy answers “no”, William can be heard continuing: “Where do you think he is? Do you think he went that way?
“He might come along in a minute – we’ll see if he’s there.”
After asking if the boy knew who he was, William receives the response: “Erm – the government?”
The laughing prince replies, looking down at his navy suit, with the words: “No, I’m not the government – I look like the government, do I?
“They dress like this a lot.”
He finally reveals, “My name is William too” – and the penny drops for the youngster, who exclaims: “You’re Prince William – it’s Prince William, mummy!”
The conversation came on May 7, the day after William’s father Charles was crowned king at Westminster Abbey in London.
But 41-second footage of the encounter – filmed by the boy’s grandmother – has only recently been posted online on the “Royal Watcher” TikTok account.
It has already attracted 6,900 “likes”, MailOnline reports.
Delighted viewers have been posting comments praising the prince.
One called the conversation “Too cute for words”, adding: “Both are adorable – lovely!”
Another admirer wrote: “I love that he winked at the mum to keep it going. So cute.”
William was also hailed as “Best future King ever” and ‘Like his mother – a complete natural with children”.
It was also said of the royal couple, “I love the way they talk to children”, while someone else commented about the young boy: “What a story he’ll tell his kids one day.”
It was already known that Kate, later that day, gave an overwhelmed young girl a comforting hug after she had burst into tears.
William and Kate have three children of their own – nine-year-old Prince George, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis.
The couple used to live in Kensington Palace, before opting for a quieter life outside London – in Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales played along and shook the youngster’s hand in Windsor
Royal fans have praised the prince for his “natural” chat with the boy
The youngster took some time to realise who he was talking to
Later that day William’s wife Kate hugged a girl overwhelmed to meet the royals