PRINCE William and Kate Middleton took a “trip down memory lane” as they enjoyed fish and chips at their old favourite student takeaway.
The royal couple returned to St Andrews in Scotland, where they first met as students 20 years ago, before making a detour to Anstruther Fish Bar.
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were said to be “regulars” at the chippy when they studied at St Andrews University.
They popped in to say hello and staff and ate their haddock and chips on a bench by the harbour before returning for ice cream.
A post on the Anstruther Fish Bar Facebook page read: “We can hardly believe it’s almost 20 years since we last had the honour of frying up some Scottish haddock and chips for, our then regular customers, Prince William and Catherine Middleton, while they were students at St Andrews University.
“Fast-forward to this afternoon and you can imagine our excitement when we had the privilege of welcoming back the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or, to give them their official Scottish titles… The Earl and Countess of Strathearn) to Anstruther Fish Bar.
“Their Royal Highnesses have been in the East Neuk of Fife today and surprised us by ending their visit with a takeaway fish supper, which the Duchess told us, was a lovely ‘trip down memory lane’.
“They enjoyed the whole takeaway experience, as most visitors to Anstruther do, sitting on a bench by the harbour, while no doubt keeping a watchful eye out for the local, hungry seagulls!
“Before heading back to their waiting helicopter, they popped in for some ice cream and to chat with some of our thrilled staff.
“The Duke thanked us for the fish and chips and made a point on telling Andrew that they were just as good, if not better than he remembered from his student days.”
Before their chippy lunch, the pair took part in land yachting on West Sands Beach on Wednesday morning.
The couple then headed to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to watch a special screening of Disney’s Cruella alongside NHS staff.
William and Kate joined guests at the unique event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a 1966 2A model that belonged to Philip and was loaned by the Queen.
During the event, Kate said about their tour of Scotland which ends on Thursday: “It’s been brilliant, we’ve had such a lovely welcome from everyone so it’s nice to come back.”
After parking up alongside NHS workers in the forecourt of the palace and two of the vintage vehicles used in the movie, the couple met some of the guests being recognised for their efforts during the health crisis.
Those attending came from across the NHS workforce in Scotland, having been nominated by NHS Charities Together’s member organisations and their associated health boards.
The couple chatted to guest Laura Wiseman who explained her young son had been confused about them going to watch a film in a car.
Kate revealed her children were equally baffled: “Yes, ours were asking, ‘but where do you go?’ They were sad not to be coming too.”
In a speech the duchess thanked the workers and told them: “Over the last year or so, William and I have spoken to many NHS workers and have heard first-hand what it has been like to be on the front line fighting Covid-19; supporting those suffering from the disease as well as their families, and heroically putting the needs of others ahead of their own – day in, day out.
“And tonight, we have so enjoyed speaking to so many of you.
“You have all been chosen for going above and beyond over the last year – and to hear what you have been through is truly humbling.”
The duchess also thanked the Queen for allowing them to host the palace’s first drive-in film and she invited her guests to “grab your popcorn, cuddle up under your blankets and be transported to 1970s Britain for an evening of much-deserved fun, drama, glamour and escapism!”
