New Yorkers caught a touch of royal fever Tuesday as scores turned out to gleefully greet Prince William during an impromptu downtown appearance before he jetted back home.
The crowd cheered as a beaming Prince of Wales crossed Liberty Street near the 9/11 Memorial to greet fans, who had gathered there with hopes of meeting the royal heir.
William, 41, had just paid a visit FDNY’s Ten House — which lost ten firefighters during the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center — where he spoke about the importance of being open about mental health.
William animatedly shook hands with the ecstatic supporters, posed for pictures, answered questions and accepted gifts.
The future monarch also exchanged a few laughs with the crowd before climbing back into his car with a wave, where he was then whisked off to Newark Airport.
The joyous reception was met with amusement by many royal watchers online, who delighted in seeing the support the British prince received in America.
Prince William enthusiastically greeted the Manhattan crowd on Tuesday afternoon during an impromptu appearance Paul Martinka
The Prince of Wales smiled for numerous photos, shook hands, and exchanged laughs with excited New Yorkers Paul Martinka“‘Prince William isn’t popular in America,'” quipped royals news X account @RoyallyBelle_ alongside photos of the obviously fawning crowds.
“Meanwhile, the crowds of New Yorkers who gathered to get a glimpse of him today,” she added.
“Yup not popular at all. New Yorkers have no interest at all,” one user joked.
“Same thing happened last year in Boston oh snap I forgot that crowds waited in the pouring rain for almost 2 hours for his delayed arrival at Boston City Hall. Yup not popular at all.”
Another commented that William “brings out the best” in New Yorkers.
“I’m thrilled that my fellow New Yorkers gave him such a great welcome,” they wrote. “We’re a pretty jaded lot, but there’s something very warm and genuine about William.”
William was downtown visiting FDNY’s Ten House near the World Trade Center 9/11 memorial to discuss mental health AP
After greeting the cheering crowds, William got back in his car and was carried off the Newark Airport to hear home APWilliam was in town on a two-day visit for the Earthshot Summit — which celebrates his climate competition, the Earthshot Prize.
Shortly after arriving Monday, the Prince of Wales met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to thank him for supporting the program.
On Tuesday morning, he lived his best New York life by going for a jog in Central Park.
“I decided to join the hordes of New Yorkers during their morning routine,” he said during the Earthshot event later Tuesday.
“It was wonderful waking up in New York on a sunny morning rather than the rain we had yesterday. It was beautiful getting some fresh air this morning.”
