The Princess of Wales has publicly revealed a significant lifestyle adjustment she has made since her cancer diagnosis, specifically mentioning her avoidance of alcohol during a recent royal engagement in London. Kate shared this personal detail while visiting the Fabal Beerhall and Southwark Brewing Company alongside Prince William this week, providing insight into her health-conscious decisions during remission.
Royal Couple Explores London's Brewing Scene
On Thursday, the Prince and Princess of Wales embarked on a distinctive visit to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a celebrated route featuring independent breweries and taprooms in London Bridge within southeast London. The royal couple immersed themselves in the brewing culture, trying various beers and ciders at the Fabal Beerhall before moving behind the bar at the Southwark Brewing Company for hands-on experiences.
Kate's Candid Conversation About Health Choices
During their time at the Fabal Beerhall, Princess Kate engaged in a meaningful conversation with founder Hannah Rhodes about non-alcoholic options. "We don't yet I'm afraid," Rhodes responded when Kate inquired about alcohol-free beers, explaining that proper production would require significant technical investment. The princess then disclosed her personal approach, telling Rhodes that "since my diagnosis it has been best to avoid alcohol," demonstrating her conscious decision-making regarding her health regimen.
While Prince William sampled lager and cider during the visit, Kate abstained entirely, emphasizing her commitment to avoiding alcohol as part of her recovery strategy. This revelation marks one of the few times the princess has publicly discussed specific lifestyle changes resulting from her 2024 cancer diagnosis and subsequent remission period.
Competitive Spirit and Brewing Demonstrations
The royal visit took a competitive turn at the Southwark Brewing Company when managing director Peter Jackson challenged the couple to a pint-pulling contest. After initial hesitation from Kate, who exclaimed "Oh no" with a grin, both royals received coaching from Jackson before attempting to pull their own pints. The princess observed Jackson's technique and remarked "you make it look so easy" before she and William tried their hands at the process.
Jackson humorously offered them employment after their efforts, stating "you can come back on Saturday for a shift" as they prepared to present their finished products. Prince William confidently assessed their work, declaring "I think they are both better actually" when comparing their pints to Jackson's demonstration pour.
Behind-the-Scenes Brewing Experience
The engagement extended beyond mere tasting as the royal couple participated directly in the brewing process. They donned rubber gloves and assisted with production tasks, with William adding hops to the mixture while Kate stirred the boil using a substantial wooden stick. This hands-on approach allowed them to experience the craftsmanship behind brewery operations firsthand.
Before departing, the couple connected with Jackson's son William via video call to extend birthday wishes, with Prince William joking that they were "just in here trying not to ruin his brewery" while celebrating their victory in the pint-pulling competition. As they left the establishment, Princess Kate waved to a small gathering of spectators who had assembled outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal visitors.
This brewery visit not only showcased the royal couple's engagement with London's independent business community but also provided a platform for Princess Kate to subtly communicate about health-conscious living during cancer recovery, highlighting the balance between public duties and personal wellness considerations.
