Public get a butchers at Prince William

Oct 12, 2005, 7:00 GMT

Britain's Prince William stunned customers at a butcher's shop when they walked in and saw him weighing out meat.

Dressed in a traditional straw hat and apron, the young royal was helping out at the farm store, in secret, as part of his work experience at a country estate.

A regular who saw the 23-year-old weighing sausages and cutting ham at the shop, told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "I didn't recognise him at first. It was only when I heard him speak I realised who it was. He certainly seemed to be enjoying himself. He was totally charming and I'm sure he helped boost sales."

The young royal will spend two weeks managing the land on the Peak District estate, which is owned by his father Prince Charles's friend, the Duke of Devonshire.

So far, he is said to be loving the experience.

A royal aide told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper after his first day: "William has done his first day's work and he absolutely loved it. He is learning all about how to run a large estate.

"He enjoys this kind of work and wants to continue it later. He has a real passion for the countryside and is fascinated by the environment. He shares this with his father."

The work placement is part of William's plan to work in several positions at different organisations before he starts at the world-renowned Sandhurst Military Academy next January.

William will also join British bank HSBC bank and work in the City of London.

The prince will spend three weeks shadowing staff, mostly in the charity services division.

Clarence House said it had been looking for a successful bank where the prince could experience a range of activities.

The prince joins HSBC - the world's second biggest bank - in early November, but will also be visiting other institutions. He will also join a mountain rescue team.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International