Prince William Serves Popcorn in Acton as Uncle's Diana Memoir Goes on Sale
Prince William served popcorn and worked the till at a west London community cinema on Tuesday, saying nothing as he was asked about his uncle's new memoir about Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Prince of Wales visited ActOne cinema in Acton ahead of a red carpet outing with Princess Kate later that day. He spent around an hour there meeting young filmmakers and representatives from the Film and TV charity, which supports people working in the industry. HELLO! Magazine
ActOne opened in 2021 after a former library was converted by more than 100 volunteers. William tried his hand at selling tickets and scooping popcorn for cinema-goers. "Sorry, I've made this very slow, I apologise," he joked at the till.
He called the smell of popcorn "very alluring" and the "most moreish thing in the world". Short sentences suit a busy foyer. This one stretched a little longer as he chatted, poured and laughed with staff.
The mood shifted on the steps outside. As he walked up, William was asked: "Sir, how do you feel about your uncle's book?" and "Have you read it?" He did not answer and entered the cinema.
The questions concerned 'Swan Song: Diana, My Sister', the memoir by Earl Spencer, 62, uncle to Prince William and Prince Harry, which went on sale on Tuesday. In the book, Spencer alleges that King Charles sounded "giddily elated... like a lottery winner" following Princess Diana's death in 1997.
Buckingham Palace responded to that claim with the statement "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason". Spencer has told People Magazine that Prince Harry is "completely fine" with the memoir and had only hoped it contained "nothing embarrassing".
The book has drawn wider comment. Spencer has faced criticism that the memoir overshadows William and Harry's grief, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment. Separately, Vanity Fair, as reported by InStyle, said the King was incensed by the claims and had given trusted aides the green light to speak.
What makes this stand out is the contrast. Inside, a working community cinema showing what volunteers built. Outside, an unresolved family history back in print.
