PRINCE WILLIAM DONATES £1,000 TO SAVE SOMERSET PUB

Prince William has donated £1,000 to the Semington Community Benefit Society, a local group attempting to reopen the Somerset Arms near Melksham in Wiltshire. The pub, which closed in 2023, is currently on the market for £395,000. In a letter accompanying his donation, Prince William described rural pubs as a "lifeline" to communities and stated his commitment to supporting their role as community hubs. The donation followed an invitation from the society for Prince William to pull the first pint should the pub be successfully saved.

Andy Cobley, vice chair of the Semington Community Benefit Society, said local people were "amazed" by the donation and Prince William's recognition of the pub's importance to the village. Ian Williamson, chair of the society, stated that Prince William's support directly addressed concerns the group had raised about protecting pubs like theirs. Williamson noted the invitation came after Prince William had publicly called for pubs to be protected and supported during a recent visit to London. The society's approach reflects broader efforts to preserve rural pubs as community assets.

Prince William wrote that he was "very keen to support the role that pubs play, not only as businesses, but as community hubs that contribute so much to the fabric of our nation." The Prince of Wales has previously advocated for the protection of struggling local pubs. The donation represents a tangible commitment to that stated position and has given the fundraising campaign increased public visibility.