Prince William starts work experience at a London bank

Nov 8, 2005, 23:53 GMT

Britain's Prince William started his work experience placement at a London bank yesterday (07.11.05).

The 23-year-old royal was smartly dressed in a dark suit and purple tie as he started work in HSBC's charity service division.

The placement is part of William's three-week work experience stint in London's financial district, the City.

He will spend most of his time at the bank, but will also visit other financial institutions.

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.

He has already experienced more rural jobs by working at a butcher's shop earlier this year, while managing the land on a Peak District estate owned by his father Prince Charles's friend, the Duke of Devonshire.

Customers were stunned when they walked in and saw the young prince weighing out meat. A regular, who saw the royal weighing sausages and cutting ham at the shop, said at the time: "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."

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International