'I'll pull a pint': William donates £1,000 to rescue pub as closures continue across Britain

18 Jun 2026 • 5:36 AM MYT
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The Prince of Wales has contributed £1,000 from his personal funds to help rescue a village pub in Wiltshire that has stood empty for three years.

Prince William, 43, sent his donation to campaigners fighting to purchase the Somerset Arms in Semington, accompanied by a letter describing rural pubs as essential community anchors.

"Our pubs have long held a unique place at the heart of British life," he wrote, adding they serve as "vital spaces that bring people together, foster a sense of belonging and support the wellbeing of local communities."

The prince promised to visit and "pull a pint" once the campaign succeeds.

Image from: 'I'll pull a pint': William donates £1,000 to rescue pub as closures continue across Britain
Prince William | Source: GETTY

Andy Cobley, vice chairman of the Semington Community Benefit Society, said the group was "over the moon" about receiving royal backing for their cause.

"We are incredibly excited and stunned," he said. "It is brilliant His Royal Highness can recognise what is going on in these small villages and help us out. It's fantastic."

The society needs to raise £395,000 to purchase the Somerset Arms, which has been closed and on the market for three years.

So far, they have secured nearly £195,000 in pledges toward their target, alongside approximately £4,000 gathered through individual donations.

Image from: 'I'll pull a pint': William donates £1,000 to rescue pub as closures continue across Britain
Prince William | Source: GETTY

Queen Camilla has separately thrown her weight behind efforts to preserve the Fountain Inn in Plumpton Green, East Sussex, writing to campaigners that she is "full of admiration" for their work.

The Queen requested that the group keep her informed about their battle to save the 175-year-old establishment, which operator Punch Pubs put up for sale earlier this year with a £475,000 asking price.

Her connection to the area runs deep, as her late father, Major Bruce Shand, owned an 18th-century property called The Laines on Plumpton's outskirts, where she divided her childhood between East Sussex and London.

The campaign has attracted nearly £300,000 in pledges.

Image from: 'I'll pull a pint': William donates £1,000 to rescue pub as closures continue across Britain
Queen Camilla | Source: GETTY

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The royal interventions come as Britain's pub sector faces severe pressures, with roughly one establishment closing each day across England and Wales permanently throughout last year, and some 15,000 shutting since 2000.

Earlier this month, Prince William visited the Prince of Peckham pub in south-east London, where he pulled a pint alongside owner Clem Ogbonnaya and championed locals as "the glue and fabric" binding communities together.

In January, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a support package for struggling pubs following sustained campaigning, offering a 15 per cent business tax discount for one year followed by a two-year bill freeze.

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