Prince William has recently captured the hearts of social media users during his visit to Ulster University, becoming quite the viral sensation for providing a student with the ultimate excuse for being late to class. On November 14, 2024, this royal escapade unfolded as he engaged with the students and faculty at the Belfast City Campus, where he took the time to address the situation of one of the students present, Samantha Johnson.
During his visit, Samantha found herself delayed by the crowd of admirers gathered around the Prince. Seizing the moment, she boldly approached him with a request — could he film a message for her instructor, Lesley, explaining her tardiness? Prince William graciously agreed, and the result is now splashed across TikTok, where it's racked up millions of views and likes.
"Just tell her why we're late," Samantha jokingly urged him at the start of the now-famous interaction. William didn’t skip a beat as he looked straight at the camera, playfully asking if they were recording before delivering his royal apology: "Lesley, I'm very sorry we're late, but see we caught up, and they wouldn't believe you were here, so just wanted to say hi." The lighthearted exchange was met with laughter and cheers from those present, marking what many are calling the perfect example of royal charm.
Samantha and her friends were thrilled, with one commenting on the video, "That's a royal pardon!" It’s safe to say, with comments like these flooding the platform, the video has turned Samantha's minor late arrival back to class not just acceptable, but memorable. Responding to the praise, she gushed about William’s genuine curiosity about their lives, saying, "He really took a genuine interest in all of our interests and future plans. Honestly, he gave off the most positive vibes and seemed like such a sweet, kind-hearted individual."
The encounter didn’t just stop at the apology; it showcased the more relatable side of the royal family. While interacting with the students, William opened up about his work, touching on issues like homelessness, aiming to raise awareness about the plight of young individuals without stable housing. He later visited the Foyer, which serves as temporary accommodation for young people facing homelessness, indicating his commitment to social issues.
Photography from the event highlights his engagement with the creative sector as well. During his visit to the university’s Virtual Production Studio, he even reignited his passion for motorbiking—something his wife, Kate Middleton, has publicly expressed concern over. After hopping onto a stationary motorcycle, William shared his nostalgic connection to biking, stating, "Any excuse to get on a motorbike! I feel like someone needs to take this for a real spin."
Kate had previously expressed just how much anxiety her husband’s motorcycle riding causes her, perhaps emphasizing the everyday worries of married life even for royals. Back when they were dating, she openly admitted during one visit: "He’s still riding it. It always fills me with horror when he goes out on it. I’m terrified." William himself later remarked about the lifestyle changes he had to embrace after becoming a father, noting, "I have to tone it down. I miss the big trips. For me, biking was always about being with everybody else."
This visit was part of William's broader agenda during his Northern Ireland trip, which aimed to engage with and understand various community issues more deeply. Apart from addressing students and faculty at Ulster University, he also interacted with key figures from the local creative sector, reinforcing the importance of arts and culture for the city's progress.
His charming TikTok moment stands out not just for its humor and relatability but reflects how modern royals are increasingly trying to connect with younger audiences through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This shift is significant as it highlights their recognition of social media's power and their willingness to embrace it. It’s no wonder these interactions resonate so well with the youth, making the royal family appear more approachable.
William’s delightful interaction wasn't just a brief moment of celebrity fun; it represented genuine interest and rapport, redefining royal engagement. The sheer spontaneity of his response to Samantha brought smiles not just to the students present but to millions who watched the video afterwards. People shared their opinions on social media, excited about how down-to-earth the Prince seemed. One viewer even commented on how interactions with royals are becoming “more and more unserious,” which they felt made the family seem more relatable.
The essence of these interactions is clear: Prince William is not only focused on his royal duties but is also genuinely interested in the lives of ordinary people—making him not just 'a prince', but a compassionate individual who values connection. Whether it's by giving permission for cavalier excuses for tardiness or advocating for important social issues, William continues to pave his own path within the royal tradition—a path marked by warmth, humor, and relatability.
