Prince William gets kiss from former football star as he visits UK food chain ahead of anniversary of Queen's death
For countless fans, giving the heir to the British throne a kiss on the cheek is not usually the done thing.
But Paul Gascoigne, one of England's all-time football greats, was never one for protocol — even during the heyday of his playing career three decades ago.
Gascoigne, affectionately known as Gazza, apparently felt no inhibition in giving the royal a kiss on the cheek on Thursday as Prince William promoted efforts to reduce homelessness.
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Prince William seemed a bit surprised when former English footballer Paul Gascoigne planted a kiss on his cheek during a royal engagement Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Prince of Wales visited UK food chain Pret A Manger in Bournemouth, England in his efforts to combat homelessness. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
At a Pret a Manger shop in Bournemouth, the Prince of Wales spotted Gazza among those who had gathered to catch a glimpse of him trying his hand at making coffees and sandwiches.
The pair spoke for a couple of minutes, with William clearly showing concern for Gazza, who has had a history of alcohol abuse and mental health problems.
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"How are you, you alright?" asked William, who is a football fan and president of England's Football Association.
Prince William met those working in the store, which employs some homeless locals Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The royal tried his hands at making sandwiches and coffees in the shop Chris Jackson/Getty Images
They shook hands before Gazza planted a kiss on William's cheek.
"It's been a very interesting morning," William said afterwards.
Gazza, 56, always had a reputation of not doing things by the book during his playing days.
Pulling faces, cracking jokes, wearing false breasts — he often played the clown, endearing himself to his team mates, coaches and fans.
On this way out of the store, the future king happily posed for several selfies with locals who had waited to get a glimpse of the royal. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The royal has recently relaxed his stance on posing for photos and is doing this increasingly during his walkabouts. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Gascoigne represented England 57 times across his career and is widely acknowledged to have been one of the most creative footballers the country's ever produced.
Prince William was joined on his visit by podcaster Steven Bartlett and the duo heard about Pret A Manger's Rising Stars program, which it plans to expand through its role with Prince William's Homewards initiative.
The store in Bournemouth is one of those that gives jobs to homeless locals to help break the cycle and provide support, training and employment.
On his way out of the store, the future king happily posed for several selfies with locals who had waited to get a glimpse of the royal.
Wills also visited football team AFC Bournemouth at nearby Vitality Stadium to hear about the club's ongoing work in the community Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Before the club hosted a round table to discuss the homeless issue further. Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Wills also visited football team AFC Bournemouth at nearby Vitality Stadium to hear about the club's ongoing work in the community to support those at risk of homelessness, before the club hosted a round table to discuss the issue further.
The Prince of Wales' public engagement comes on the eve of the first anniversary of his grandmother's death, which the royals will mark in various ways.
His outing was just hours before younger brother Prince Harry made a rare London appearance, attending the WellChild Awards.
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