Prince William and Kate make surprise visit to Windsor as thousands queue for Coronation Concert

Prince William and Kate were mobbed by crowds after they made a surprise visit to the Long Walk in Windsor on Sunday.

The Prince and Princess of Wales delighted people who had gathered in the sunshine to queue for the star-studded Coronation Concert at nearby Windsor Castle, as tens of thousands of street parties take place across Britain.

The pair were greeted by cheers from the awestruck crowd as they emerged from their car and then proceeded to chat with well-wishers and pose for pictures.

Their visit comes shortly after a Buckingham Palace spokesman announced the King and Queen were “deeply touched” by the nation’s support through the coronation celebrations.

Prince William also spoke to royal fans about the rainy weather in London yesterday for his father’s coronation and apologised for the wet conditions.

He also told one group of well-wishers: ”Enjoy the concert tonight.”

After the Princess of Wales hugged a little girl dressed in navy dress covered in patriotic motifs, the child appeared to be overcome with emotion and burst into tears.

The Princess continued chatting to the girl, who nodded her head and gave a small shrug as Kate patted her back.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also sipped a homemade gin cocktail which was given to them by a woman in the crowd.

William first sipped the drink which was in a decorated paper cup, before passing it to his wife, who was dressed in a light blue blazer.

After knocking back the beverage, she remarked: “Oh that’s lovely”.

William was also handed a can of organic ale, which was specially brewed for the coronation.

He beamed after he was handed it by a well-wisher, as his wife smiled and told a well-wisher he’d save it for later.

William, who was dressed in a smart black suit, trainers and light blue shirt, was seen crouching down and chatting to a boy and girl wearing golden crowns.

William will deliver a speech during the concert, which will also feature music from Take That, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

The show, hosted by Downton Abbey and Paddington actor Hugh Bonneville, will see Hollywood star Tom Cruise, Dynasty actress Dame Joan Collins, adventurer Bear Grylls and singer Sir Tom Jones appear via video message.

Tens of thousands turned out in central London on Saturday to see the pomp and pageantry of the coronation, with Charles and Camilla processing through the streets in the Gold State Coach and taking to the Buckingham Palace balcony in their glittering crowns.

More than 18 million people in the UK tuned in to watch the ceremony on TV, compared with 26.5 million for the late Queen’s funeral in September.

A palace spokesman said the King and Queen were ”deeply touched” by the nation’s celebration of their historic coronation.

He said: ”Their Majesties were deeply touched by the events of yesterday and profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support in such numbers in London and further afield.”

Tens of thousands of street parties are taking place across Britain today to celebrate the coronation of King Charles ahead of a concert, which will be attended by 20,000 ticket-holders selected via a public lottery.

After days of back-to-back diplomatic receptions, garden parties and rehearsals for Saturday’s event at Westminster Abbey, Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75, will host a private reception today.