With the royal wedding just a month away, a waiter at the plush St Andrews resort favoured by Prince William has spoken of his memories of the royal student and revealed details of the groom-to-be’s favourite tipple.
Graeme Dawson (32) is marketing manager at the five-star Fairmont Hotel, but was a barman when ‘Will Wales’ was a regular visitor.
Wedding fever is growing ahead of the royal nuptials not least in St Andrews, where locals have an affinity with the prince and fiancee Kate Middleton.
The couple met during a fashion show at Fairmont, and Graeme said that night was just one of numerous visits paid to the luxury resort by the student prince.
He told The Courier, “Everybody talks about the night when the pair first met, but actually Prince William was a regular visitor here during his student days. I also studied in St Andrews and was working at Fairmont in the bar and restaurant when Prince William was at university.
“He was a member of the spa and we often saw him using the gym or just relaxing in the atrium.”
Graeme revealed the pair would often chat about their studies, as both read geography.
He said, “Of course, he had security people with him but they kept their distance and he seemed to be able to enjoy himself.”
Graeme said the prince visited Fairmont two or three times a week and was keen to keep in shape, especially after he started dating a certain shy but pretty brunette.
He said, “William and Kate visited together and he would order non-alcoholic fruit cocktails I think he was trying to keep healthy when he was here.
“Having said that, I would also see him out and about on the town as well and he was just like any other student on those occasions.”‘Nothing fancy’Despite his standing, there was “nothing showy or fancy” about him.
Graeme said, “William would just turn up with a couple of friends and a fairly normal car there was no great entourage. He was not grand at all, just very down to earth and sincere.”
He joked, “Having said that I certainly did feel under a bit of pressure to make the perfect cocktail.
“I suppose at first members of staff were a bit in awe but seeing him around just became the norm.”
Graeme hopes to have the chance to serve the prince again, adding that the honeymoon suite could be made available should the royal couple require it.
He said, “I am not sure if his membership has lapsed, but I am sure we could sort something out if he wanted to visit. He is now patron of a St Andrews University fund-raising appeal and I know they are keen for him to return to the town, so hopefully we may see him again.”
Graeme is looking forward to the royal wedding and confirmed it would be a “big deal” for St Andreans.
He said, “William was a really friendly face and people round here remember that. He is a genuine guy and I know big celebrations are planned for St Andrews come the wedding it should be a pretty spectacular weekend.”
It goes without saying that, should the groom require a drink to calm his nerves, Graeme will be more than happy to do the honours.