PRINCE William is currently over 8,000 miles away from his three children in South Africa – but that doesn’t mean he isn’t keeping them close.
The Prince of Wales got stuck into royal engagements in Cape Town yesterday and eagle-eyed fans spotted his very poignant bracelet.
Prince William, 42, was seen wearing a blue-beaded friendship band which spelled out the word “papa”.
The sweet token was likely to have been made for him by either Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, or Prince Louis, six – or perhaps it was a team effort.
Fans were quick to say they thought it was a “beautiful way” to show that “he loves them”, despite the distance of the trip.
One wrote: “That is so sweet of him and the children.”
Some pointed out the bracelet could have come from “Swifty” Princess Charlotte, with Taylor Swift fans famous giving out friendship bands at her concerts.
Prince William spent his 24th birthday this year taking Prince George and Princess Charlotte to the pop star’s Eras Tour, where he debuted his ‘dad dancing’ moves.
After the show, the royal family got to meet Taylor and snapped an iconic selfie with her.
William has arrived for a four-day visit in Cape Town, culminating in his fourth £50million Earthshot Prize.
He kicked off the trip at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme at Cape Town venue, Rooftop on Bree – with its stunning views of Table Mountain.
And told 120 future leaders from Africa and Asia “you are going to change the world”.
Activities so far for the Prince of Wales have included playing touch rugby with kids — and renewing his acquaintance with “The Beast”.
Also taking part in the game was 22-stone Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira — a former rugby star he first met after Wales played the Springboks in 2014.
Wills joked with the 6ft 6ins prop: “You’re still as big as you were — bigger!”
The trip comes on the back of Prince William’s two-part documentary on ITV about ending homelessness.
The 42-year-old has helped at homeless centre The Passage in central London since mum Diana took him aged 11 in 1993.
CEO Mick Clarke said: “We see him as the real person.
“When he comes he is very relaxed, very chilled.
“I have a feeling there is sort of a family relationship there, given the history back to when he was 11.
“People who have lived with homelessness are very good at instantly sussing whether someone is straight-forward and authentic or not and Prince William just seems very comfortable.
While William is away on royal duties, George, Charlotte and Louis are in capable hands with Princess Kate, who is now “cancer-free.”
In September, Kate shared a heartwarming video alongside her supportive family announcing the news.
The mum-of-three, 42, spoke of her “relief” after finishing her treatment, adding that the last nine months have been “incredibly tough”.
In the touching video, Kate bravely told how she is continuing “to take each day as it comes” following the news.
Since her shock cancer diagnosis in March, Kate stepped out of the spotlight so she could fully recover.
Kate also told how “doing what I can to stay cancer free” was now her focus as she revealed the road to recovery is still long.
But she said she was “looking forward” to being back at work and taking on a few more public engagements in the coming months.
It is also understood she will join her family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday as she slowly returns to public duties.
This will include light duties later in the year, as well as planning her annual carol service.
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
