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On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Prince William made an unexpected appearance alongside DJ Greg James for a charitable cause that left many pleasantly surprised.
BBC Radio 1’s Greg James is on a mission to cycle 1,000 kilometers from Weymouth to Edinburgh over the course of eight days, all in support of Comic Relief. The journey took an unexpected and exciting twist just outside Doncaster when Prince William joined the effort by hopping onto a tandem bike with James. Together, they cycled through the picturesque countryside of South Yorkshire.
Prince William rode with Greg James
Prince William expressed admiration for Greg’s dedication, acknowledging the effort and endurance required for such a demanding challenge. “What you’ve done is set an example about helping out. That’s the thing,” the Prince remarked, commending Greg’s willingness to endure “a bit of pain” for a worthy cause.
William praised Greg for going through “a bit of pain” to help others.
He said: “What you’ve done is set an example about helping out. That’s the thing.
“It’s volunteering some of your time, putting yourself through a bit of pain at the same time, and supporting others. It’s something we do very well in this country, but we don’t really shout about it enough.
“This challenge helps everyone see that. And it’s an amazing team effort. Huge well done, Greg.”
William hilariously claimed he was just a royal “lookalike” as they cycled past a school.
Greg shouted to cheering crowds: “It’s Prince William!”
But he added: “They just don’t believe it’s him. Why would they believe it?”
His regal ride partner quipped: “Exactly, they just think you’ve lost it. He’s hallucinating!”
He then shouted: “It’s a lookalike.”
Speaking after William’s departure, Greg admitted he was nervous when he realised he would be riding with the prince – who he worked with last month on a BBC Radio 1 mental health special – and admitted it was “the hardest [he had] gripped the handlebars” since he began the challenge.
He jokingly added to fellow BBC Radio 1 presenters Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston: “I didn’t kill the future king.”
The 40-year-old broadcaster – who is four days into the challenge – wasn’t aware William would be joining him and explained he had been diverted off his route to what appeared to be a truck stop, only to find the royal waiting for him.
He said: “I joked when we recorded a show together that he should get on the tandem, but I didn’t think he’d actually do it.
“To suddenly see him standing there was completely bizarre. I can’t believe I’ve been trusted to carry the future king around on a tandem.
“He didn’t need to do that, but it’s incredible that he’s used his time to support this and help spread the message.”
William revealed during the ride that the fundraising total had passed the £1 million mark, helped by a pledge from The Hunter Foundation to match donations up to that amount.
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