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Prince William and Kate’s engagement on Friday got off to a shaky start as William rushed to the aid of a man who had fallen.
The Vice Lord Lieutenant of Essex and the Queen’s representative in the county, Jonathan Douglas-Hughes, fell over as he greeted The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to a school.
Without thinking, Prince William and others helped him up from the floor where he went on to continue his duties.
The Vice Lord Lieutenant, who was wearing a full military uniform equipped with a sword at the time of the incident, apologised to the Prince saying: “Sorry about that”.
The 2nd-in-line to the throne reassured him and replied: “No. it’s all right”.
The Vice Lord Lieutenant was unharmed and carried on his duties following the fall. He was later spotted with an ice pack on his wrist.
The 72-year-old said after the dramatic episode: “I’m fine thank you. The Duke was very concerned but I reassured him I was perfectly all right.”
Mr Douglas-Hughes, a solicitor, was an Under Sheriff for the County of Essex for 25 years before becoming Vice Lord-Lieutenant. The position is purely a ceremonial which dates back to the 17th century.
He has previously welcomed other royals to Essex, including Princess Anne just last year.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Essex on Friday to promote their Heads Together Initiative, which the couple, alongside Prince Harry, launched in May. The aim of the campaign is to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in children.
William said before his visit that he hopes to ensure that Prince George and Princess Charlotte are emotionally supported at school, as well as fulfilling their academic abilities.
Agencies/Canadajournal
