Princess Kate and Prince William raise a pint for Charles’ coronation – and reveal how George feels about starring role

THE Prince and Princess of Wales each toasted the coronation with a pint of cider after stunning commuters by turning the Elizabeth Line into a royal carriage.

Wills admitted he was nervous ahead of the big day and Kate confessed she may relax after the  with a pint of Guinness.

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They also revealed Prince George, 9, who is a Page of Honour at the coronation, is feeling more "relaxed" after his rehearsal at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday.

Kate, 41, and Wills, 40, used Oyster cards to get through the barriers at Acton Main Line, west London, into Tottenham Court Road, to visit a pub in Soho.

It was the royal couple's first journey on the £15bn London train line opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II just 12 months ago.

But sources close to Wills says he has used the tube incognito while Kate went unnoticed when she took the underground earlier this year.

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They sipped pints with punters in the Dog & Duck, in Soho, one of many pubs expecting a bumper Bank Holiday weekend when revellers celebrate the coronation.

Wills also lent a hand to hardworking bar staff pulling pints for punters thirsty for coronation weekend as he poured a foamy glass  of beer.

He confidently poured a "perfect pint", according to waitress Bernie Kidson.

They also cheered up the thousands waiting outside in central London by sharing stories and posing for selfies with the crowd.

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William, who will have a ceremonial role in the ceremony, confessed to jitters when he greeted pub punters yesterday, saying outside:  “I will be drinking before and after the coronation!”

Wife Kate said looking forward to a stout performance at the bash, telling a fan: “I think I’ll celebrate with a few Guinnesses.”

Property manager Marcus Zenther, 57, said after meeting the couple: "He admitted he was nervous. It's not every day your dad becomes King."

Londoner Rochelle Selwyn, 46, added: "William told us it was nerve-wracking and he was getting a bit of the jitters.

"He said he would be drinking - but hopefully not too much and hopefully the day would go well. He admitted he’d had a cider in the pub but said it was too large for Kate.”

Kate, wearing a red bespoke Eponine coat, told the crowd how excited the three children were, adding: “Especially as they are off school from tomorrow. They can’t wait.”

The Princess of Wales remarked on how international the crowd was and said she was chuffed so many people had come to watch her family celebrate.

Catherine Doyle, 50, who had travelled from Canada, said: "William said he was all partied out though as they’ve had Louis’ birthday and their wedding anniversary."

One cheeky punter, with a can in hand, serenaded the couple with Knees Up Mother Brown - the East End bawdy pub song.

Kate, 30, from Poland, said: "They are so down to earth. I'd love to have a drink with them. Kate looked absolutely stunning."

Chatting to pub staff and local businessmen inside the pub, the Princess of Wales revealed Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were deeply immersed in the preparations.

George is 'excited' about his role at the ceremony Kate agreed, adding: "He is actually. Having done a few rehearsals, I think everyone is a bit more relaxed."

At one point William appeared to be talking about going out for a night out with former England footballer Wayne Rooney but realised he was being overheard and remarked he must keep his "work head on".

The Prince of Wales was less impressed at his efforts behind the bar after being given the honour of pulling the first pint of Kingmaker Pale Ale, a special Coronation beer brewed for Nicholson’s.

He joked: "I’ve not got too much experience or pulling pints. I’m not too bad at drinking pints but pulling pints."

Earlier Kate and Wills took their first ever trip on the Elizabeth Line to thank Transport for London (TFL) workers who will be working throughout the coronation weekend.

Kate told staff: "It’s going to be a very busy time. We’re getting there. I still feel like we’re trying to get ducks in a row."

It was the couple's first journey on The Elizabeth Line but royal aides said the couple do “occasionally” travel by tube in a private capacity.

It is understood Kate has been on the tube this year.

Speaking to Maria Serco, a maintenance engineer, William said: "I can’t quite believe it has been nearly a year. It’s quite nice to get the chance to see it all, after my grandmother opened it."

The pub trip is to thank businesses gearing up for the three-day weekend as millions of Brits are set to party.

The Waleses have been on a 'walkabout' outside the pub greeting eager well-wishers.

Kate arrived and greeted fans with a beaming smile, dressed in a vibrant red coat with blue lining inside, and white dress - keeping in line with the coronation celebratory colours.

Prince William waved to adoring members of the public, dressed in a pale blue shirt, brown blazer and navy trousers.

Both royals were spotted shaking hands and chatting with members of the public, and even petting cute dogs waiting in the crowds.

The royal couple enjoyed chatting with fellow pub-goers and as he drank, William said: "You always have the best conversations in pubs - you never know who you are going to meet."

He also joked about being careful with his alcohol as he would have to "get back into work mode" shortly.

Kate spoke about their eldest son Prince George, who is "excited" about the upcoming coronation and rehearsals.

She added the atmosphere was "wonderful" and that anticipation for the coronation was "already starting to build".

The Dog and Duck is part of the Nicholson's group, which has several pubs across the UK and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.

Originally built in 1734, it is one of the oldest pubs in Soho and owners claim it's hosted several famous faces - from English poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti to George Orwell and later Madonna.

The royal couple then left the Grade II listed building and were met by hundreds of fans who shouted "we love you".

One devoted fan handed Kate a bunch of flowers, and William also received a bouquet, with one woman from Philadelphia saying: "I brought these for Kate but you can have them."

This comes as preparations for the big day continue, iconic landmark Big Ben has even been illuminated with images of a rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock in red, white and blue.

On a smaller scale, homes across Britain are decorating their streets with strings of bunting flags and planning parties across the bank holiday.

One Essex street say their road in the most patriotic in Britain - where 300 residents will stage a £2,500 singalong party on Saturday afternoon straight after watching the Coronation.

This comes after The Waleses, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were spotted at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, May 2, to take part in a rehearsal for the grand event.

You always have the best conversations in pubs - you never know who you are going to meet."

Prince WilliamChatting inside The Dog and Duck

This is the first time they have been seen since chaos unravelled around 7pm on Tuesday after a man threw suspected shotgun cartridges onto the palace grounds.

The Firm are continuing life as normal despite safety concerns mounting and security for the historical event has been estimated to cost around £150million.

The operation, Golden Orb, will see thousands of officers deployed along with protection squads, air support and roof-top snipers.

Drones will also be used to monitor the crowds.

Arriving at Westminster Abbey for coronation rehearsals, Charles was smiling and in high spirits.

On the day, Prince William and eldest son Prince George, 9, are due to play key roles in the ceremony.

The Prince of Wales will kneel before the Monarch to pledge allegiance and say: "I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God."

Usually, this would apply to all men in the family, however King Charles will break with the tradition and William will be the only male royal to perform the ritual.

His son will serve as one of King Charles' Pages of Honour and become the youngest future monarch to play a senior role in a coronation.

He will be joined by three of Camilla’s grandchildren. 

Their role will be to hold the King and Queen Consort’s robes during the ceremony — which is expected to be scaled down to around two-and-a-half hours.

Princess Anne has also been given a starring role in the ceremony.

Yes, it's going to be a busy time. We're getting there. I still feel like we're trying to get ducks in a row."

Princess KateTalking on the Elizabeth Line this morning

During the procession, Anne will be the Gold-Stick-in-Waiting - a role historically handed to a person entrusted with the safety of the monarch.

This will see her travel on horseback behind the newly crowned King and Queen Consort after the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Then, as Charles and Camilla ride in the Gold State Coach back to Buckingham Palace, Anne will lead the larger procession featuring 6,000 armed services personnel.

The 72-year-old was said to be "incredibly honoured" after being chosen for the role.

This comes as Prince Harry's attendance was also confirmed - but he is not expected to play a formal part in the coronation.

He will make his brief visit to the UK, without wife Meghan Markle, and fly back to the US within 24 hours.

Speculation has been rife over how long he intends to stay in London, and an insider confirmed last night: “Harry will be in and out of the UK in 24 hours.

“He will only be doing the Coronation service then leaving.”

It is not thought the Duke of Sussex will walk in either processions between the Palace and Abbey, and he will also not be able to stand alongside many of his family on the Palace balcony.

But, a source claimed that senior Buckingham Palace aides were hoping the Duke will still decide to attend the post-Coronation lunch at Windsor Castle.

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"A place will be set for him at the table. He is not expected to stay following the Coronation procession but Palace staff are counting him in just in case", they said.

However it is understood that he will not be attending, in order to be back in time for son Archie's fourth birthday.

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