Purple reign! Man who mistook Prince William for Prince the singer writes to royal to apologise for the mix-up

Sebastian Smith, who has Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, mistook Prince William for the late singer Prince when they met at a Somerset café. William later shared the amusing encounter on television, and Sebastian’s family have since helped him write to the royal to apologise.

The meeting took place at Sweet Surprise in Ilminster on 6 October, where Sebastian works as part of a training programme for adults with learning difficulties. His mother said he is a devoted Prince fan who knows the singer’s songs and lyrics, including “Purple Rain”, which William was asked to sing. William’s television appearance also touched on his interests and promoted the Earthshot Prize.