The Prince of Wales donated to help save a village pub
Prince William has discreetly supported a community campaign to save a local pub, choosing to make his donation without using his royal title. On June 17, the BBC reported that the Prince of Wales donated £1,000, which is approximately $1,323, to the Semington Community Benefit Society. The organization is working to reopen the Somerset Arms in Wiltshire after the pub was closed in 2023.
William Wales appears as a contributor
According to reports by the BBC, the father of three donated the name William Wales. The Crowdfunder page showed that “William Wales” contributed to the campaign on June 16, 2026. The surname reflects a long-standing royal tradition in which children use a version of their parents’ titles as a last name. Prince William used Wales during his school years and military service, and today his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, also use the surname when needed.
The Prince of Wales praises the role of pubs
In addition to his contribution, Prince William wrote a letter describing pubs as a “lifeline” for rural communities and validated their importance as gathering spaces for people. He also accepted an invitation to pull the first pint if the campaign reaches its fundraising goal. The appeal hopes to raise about $13,236 by August 1, 2026, while supporters have already pledged approximately $257,659. The Somerset Arms is reportedly the only pub remaining in the village and is currently listed for sale at around $522,729.
