Kate and William surprised by comedy legend while touring Scots island

Daily Record

30-04-2025

Prince William and Kate had a surprise encounter with a comedy legend while touring a Scots island today, April 30. The royal couple had an unexpected meeting with Ruby Wax on the Isle of Iona after leaving Mull by ferry, where they had spent their 14th wedding anniversary carrying out engagements. The Prince and Princess of Wales left Mull on the public CalMac ferry to Iona, where they are expected to spend time meeting the community and learning about their way of life on the island. As they descended the ferry, they ran into Ruby Wax, who was waiting to catch the boat in the opposite direction, where she was doing a silent retreat that she decided to interrupt for the royal arrival, reported The Mirror. She said: "It's funny because I'm on a retreat there. And I thought, why are they interrupting my silent retreat? I mean, you could break the silent retreat for this." She added of meeting William: "I didn't realise he was so good-looking. He looks like his mother." Earlier William and Kate were welcomed by a small crowd when they arrived at the small port of Fionnphort, where the CalMac ferry to the island was waiting. After greeting the well-wishers who lined the pier, the couple spoke with ferry staff, asking them about the challenges of running services, particularly in bad weather. Referring to the balmy spring sunshine, Kate quipped: 'We've chosen a good day to come today – we know the weather is not always like this.' William added: 'The water is so clear out there, it's beautiful.' As the couple walked down to the ferry, a crew member asked whether they had enjoyed their time on Mull. William replied: 'It's been fantastic, thanks', adding that the good weather the couple have enjoyed throughout their stay 'obviously helps'. The pair could be seen up on the bridge in conversation with crew members after boarding the ferry, while other passengers boarded beneath them. Earlier today, Kate spoke of the need for children to 'get outdoors as much as they can' on a visit to a remote forest on the Isle of Mull. She spent the morning of their second day in Scotland with William, immersed in the sun-bathed Ardura Community Forest on the south of the island, a haven for local families. Kate, 43, spoke to locals about the benefits of being out in nature amidst the stunning surroundings. The future queen added: 'It's the small things that are important.' The couple were there to meet and learn more about the Mull and Iona Ranger Service who play a hugely important part in protecting and championing the local environment. The Ardura Acorns is one of the only early-years outdoor learning play groups on the island. It undertakes seasonal outdoor play, focusing on nature and wildlife including following trails, den building and storytelling. There, Kate chatted about studies which have long shown the benefits of the natural world on mental as well as physical health, issues which have been close to her heart since being diagnosed with cancer last February.