Prince William has been handed a festive Christmas card and a Santa hat to give to his children during his solo engagement as Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment on Tuesday.
The Prince of Wales, 42, visited the regiment for a Christmas event, before being given the presents to give to his children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Princess Louis, six.
The father-of-three took to Instagram to share photos and videos from the visit, including his encounter with 18-month-old Derby, the regimental ram, upon arriving at Picton Barracks.
Prince William said: "I can see you are holding on tightly, he looks fantastic, very smart."
Prince William was handed a festive Christmas card and a Santa hat to give to his children during his solo engagement
Getty
There has been a Private Derby serving as the mascot of the 33rd since 1858, according to the soldiers.
The future King was also given a post-it note with a drawing of himself by Karson Heighway, a 10-year-old boy who was attending the event.
Before putting the artwork in his suit pocket, Prince William asked: "Is that me?"
He then said: "Looks like I have five nostrils!"
The Prince of Wales revealed hopes for long walks with the family dog as they spend the festive period in Norfolk.
He said: “Am I ready for Christmas? No, no way am I ready.”
William said he was looking forward to Christmas with 45 members of his family “all in one room" but “normally spread out"
His Instagram post showed the Prince of Wales sat speaking with military personnel's families as well as handing out presents to the children in attendance.
Prince William encountered 18-month-old Derby, the regimental ram, upon arriving at Picton Barracks
Getty
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The caption read: "Joining a wonderful Christmas lunch and festive activities with the @mercianregiment and their families. (And the Regimental Mascot too of course!)"
"From swapping stories to enjoying the holiday cheer, it's moments like these that showcase the strength and spirit of the regiment's community. Proud to be the Colonel-in-Chief!"
Princess Kate was absent from the engagement, last stepping out in public with William for her Together at Christmas carol service on Friday night.
Prince William recently jetted off to Paris on Saturday to attend the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, where he met with President-elect Donald Trump.
As the pair warmly greeted each other, the former President described the prince as a "good man" and praised him for doing "a fantastic job".
Kensington Palace said: "His Royal Highness is travelling at the request of His Majesty's Government on behalf of the United Kingdom."
