Prince William Wears 'Papa' Friendship Bracelet in Sweet Nod to His Kids During South Africa Visit

The Prince of Wales was spotted wearing the blue and green accessory during a series of outings in Cape Town

Nov 5, 2024 - 07:44
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Prince William Wears 'Papa' Friendship Bracelet in Sweet Nod to His Kids During South Africa Visit

The Prince of Wales was spotted wearing the blue and green accessory during a series of outings in Cape Town

Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 05, 2024, pictured alongside the friendship bracelet

Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 05, 2024, pictured alongside the friendship bracelet

Prince William has taken a sweet reminder of home to South Africa

On Monday, Nov. 4, and Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Prince of Wales, 40, was spotted wearing a friendship bracelet featuring the word ‘Papa’ on his right wrist during a series of outings in Cape Town.

The blue and green bracelet features the affectionate name William’s three children call him spelled out in black and white beads. 

William was first seen wearing the accessory — a string, beaded bracelet reminiscent of the friendship bracelet trend among Swifties at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts — as he met with more than 120 young leaders at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program with Earthshot CEO Hannah Jones.

Later that day, William played rugby at Ocean View Secondary School with young South Africans from three townships. As he took part in the rugby coaching session and caught the ball, the bracelet could once again be seen on his wrist. 

Victoria Jones/Shutterstock Prince William on November 04, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa

Victoria Jones/Shutterstock Prince William on November 04, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa

Related: Prince William Brings His Earthshot Prize to Cape Town, South Africa: See the Best Photos!

The bracelet was also visible the following day as he took an early morning stroll beneath South Africa's iconic Table Mountain with Robert Irwin — a global ambassador for the Earthshot Prize — ahead of the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Nov. 6.

William’s children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, often refer to their father as ‘Papa,’ including when they sent a special message to him on Father’s Day earlier this year and on his 42nd birthday days later.  

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On June 17, William and his wife Kate Middleton shared a new photo of him with their three kids on their social media accounts to mark U.K. Father’s Day alongside a note from their children. 

"We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day