Prince Charles’ new cause championing the British pub as he becomes first royal to write for Good Beer Guide

Prince Charles’ new cause sees the Prince of Wales turn into the Prince of Ales

Prince Charles' new cause is something to raise a toast to
(Image credit: Finnbarr Webster - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Charles is a man of the people, and his new cause is proof that he understands the importance of the traditional British pub. A cultural touchstone across the United Kingdom, many pubs have struggled to bounce back fully after the coronavirus pandemic saw closures. Prince Charles will write about the importance of supporting local businesses as he becomes the first royal to write a foreword in the Good Beer Guide.


British landlords and pub owners will be raising a glass in Prince Charles’ honor as the Prince of Wales lends his support to the importance of ales.

Charles, known to love a tipple, will write a foreword for the Campaign for Real Ales (Camra) Good Beer Guide.

Released annually, Camra’s guide is held in high esteem and is considered to be the authority on the best public houses and ales across the United Kingdom.

Prince Charles will write a foreword urging Brits to support local pubs

(Image credit: Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

In his one-page foreword for the upcoming special 50th edition, Charles will highlight the unprecedented difficulties and challenges that pubs have faced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It is reported that around 2000 pubs have closed since the pandemic.

Charles will use his foreword to urge the public to support and visit the myriad of taphouses, country inns and other pubs in the Camra Guide.

Prince Charles pulling a pint in a pub

(Image credit: Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“It is a huge honor to have the Prince of Wales pen this year's foreword, celebrating the important role that pubs have played in British history,” Camra chairman’s Nik Antona said in a statement.

“The past few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation's pubs open and thriving. I'd encourage everyone to use this year's Guide to visit the very best pubs across the UK and support them for generations to come.”

Pubs in Britain have a close connection with the royals, as many are named after various members of the family.

The Prince of Wales at the Prince of Wales pub, Clapham

(Image credit: Heathcliff O'Malley - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

According to research from Pubs Galore there are around 135 pubs named after the Prince of Wales. In the past, Prince Charles has joked about trying to visit every pub named after his title.

At the Prince of Wales pub in Clapham, South London, in May 2021, Charles pulled himself a pint and pulled down his face mask to take a sip, showing support for the reopening of pubs following new safety measures.

Jack Slater
Freelance writer

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.


Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.