Prince William has expressed his admiration for the ingenuity of businessmen during a meeting with business leaders and philanthropists from across the globe, as they shared their advice and experience with young entrepreneurs.
William was in the company of top businessmen at the roundtable chat chaired by Richard Pattle, the Prince of Wales’ former equerry and master of the household. Pattle now vice chairman of Standard Chartered’s private banking clients division. In his charming brief speech, he described the admiration he had for the efforts of business people he has met.
He said: “As I have travelled across the Commonwealth and here in the UK, I have always been impressed by the ingenuity, the drive and commitment of those I meet behind small and medium-sized companies particularly.
“When Catherine and I visited India in 2016, we were completely blown away by the innovation on display in the Indian businesses we met – from Formula E-Cars and new ways of teaching braille.”
He wished the group well in tackling important issues from youth unemployment to nurturing entrepreneurs of the future in their discussions that form part of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting week (CHOGM)
William also shared his ambitions for the Royal Foundation he founded with Prince Harry and Kate in 2011 . His wife to be, Meghan Markle, will join as fourth patron after the royal wedding.
He told delegates: “We, as the Royal Foundation, can help lead, but if we can connect to some of those bigger foundations in the world and come together with one message, imagine the focus and the change.
I like the idea of a team. It’s all about how we work together.”
Mr Brozin, who opened his first restaurant in South Africa in 1987, said about William: “I’m not surprised he’s eaten at Nando’s.
“The beauty of Prince Harry and Prince William is that they’re really accessible and they are guys that go out a lot – I’m very happy that they’ve tried it.
“I was certain they would have tried it because they’re so accessible. They’re people’s people, which is so nice.”
“I want to share with the young Commonwealth entrepreneurs about the opportunities that are available and how to reach out.”
Asked about the secret of his success he replied: “The people that work for us and the product obviously, it’s the people that make the chicken.”
One of the delegates also wished the Duke well as he prepares to become a father of three, with wife Kate due to give birth any day now.
Businessman Simon McMurtrie told him: “Good luck with number three child,” to which William smiled and said “Thanks.”