When Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte snuck into a pub one day, the patrons were surprised.

In a relatable scenario that many parents can empathize with, Princess Charlotte found herself in need of a restroom break while being driven through south London. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, accompanied her daughter during this moment, and to the surprise of onlookers, they decided to make an impromptu stop at a pub located in south London for a restroom visit. The incident occurred as they were traveling on the busy A3 trunk road, prompting them to make a stop at The Phoenix in Stockwell.

The decision of the royal duo to halt at a local establishment for a practical reason like using the toilet garnered attention from regular patrons and staff. One individual humorously commented on the situation, highlighting that “it just goes to show that the royals are like any other family. When your kid needs to go to the loo, they got to go!” Princess Charlotte, then three years old, entered the pub hand in hand with her mother, the Princess of Wales.

Ahead of their visit, a plain-clothed female detective from the Royal Protection Squad discreetly checked the pub’s toilets. The locals were taken by surprise at the sight of the Duchess of Cambridge and her daughter casually making a stop at their establishment. Witnesses shared their observations, with one regular noting how they appeared entirely normal, and Princess Kate was seen holding her daughter’s hand. Another bystander recounted seeing the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte emerging from a black Range Rover parked on a side road before heading into the pub.

Although neither the manager of the pub nor representatives from Backbar Pubs and Bars Ltd, the company that owns the establishment, commented on the unexpected visit, the accounts of regulars painted a picture of the event. The royal protection officers discreetly maintained their presence at the pub, and a plain-clothed female police officer was observed entering the venue to check the toilets before the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte arrived. The diplomatic protection officer cautioned patrons against taking pictures during the visit, ensuring a low-profile experience. The pub staff was reportedly instructed not to disclose details about the visit.