Britain’s Prince William downed a shot of rum during his visit to HMS Alliance today (12.05.14).
The royal was given the same initiation as newly-qualified submarine workers upon completing his visit on board the newly-restored Second World War era submarine in Gosport, Hampshire, and was presented with a large tumbler of Pusser’s Navy Rum alongside a submariner’s Dolphin badge.
Bill Sainsbury, marketing and communications manager at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, commented: "It was a gulper’s measure, not a sip. He had a good glug. He seemed to enjoy it. He ad a big smile on his face after he’d drunk it."
However, the 31-year-old royal was spared the embarrassment of having to pick up the badge in his teeth from the bottom of the glass after downing the tot.
According to the Daily Express newspaper, Vice Admiral Sir Tim McClement, chairman of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, joked: "We’re not going to choke you today."
After jetting in on a helicopter, William attended a service of re-dedication for the HMS Alliance, met with veteran submariners and toured the vessel before indulging in the alcoholic beverage.
The vessel has been on display at the museum since 1981, but was starting to sink until renovation began in 2011.
The Duke of Cambridge was acting as Royal Patron of the HMS Alliance Conservation Appeal, and the event marked his first royal duty since returning from his tour of Australia and New Zealand with his wife, Duchess Catherine, and his son, Prince George.
Prince William downs a shot of rum
