In an unexpected twist that has sent royal fans and comedy enthusiasts into a frenzy, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, made a surprise cameo in the trailer for the third season of Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy, released on September 4, 2025. The future king, aged 43, is seen strolling through the picturesque Windsor Great Park alongside Hollywood comedy icon Eugene Levy, sharing a lighthearted exchange that showcases his wit and charm. “Was getting drunk with Prince William on your bucket list?” William quips, to which Levy, 78, responds with a grin, “That’s the bucket!” The brief, five-second clip, which closes the trailer, has sparked a viral sensation, with social media platforms like X and Instagram buzzing with clips and memes celebrating William’s comedic flair. This rare foray into entertainment marks a new chapter for the royal, blending his public duties with a playful nod to pop culture, further cementing his status as a relatable figure on the global stage.

The cameo came as part of The Reluctant Traveler, a travelogue series where Levy, best known for Schitt’s Creek and American Pie, explores remarkable destinations while tackling a personal bucket list. The third season, set to premiere globally on September 19, 2025, sees Levy journeying through Canada, the US, Austria, England, India, Ireland, Mexico, and South Korea. The trailer teases encounters with other notable figures, including Canadian singer Michael Bublé and former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid, but William’s appearance has stolen the spotlight. Filmed in the lush surroundings of Windsor Great Park, near the royal family’s Windsor Castle residence, the scene captures the prince in a casual navy jacket, laughing alongside Levy as they discuss bucket-list adventures. The exchange, brief but memorable, highlights William’s ability to connect with a comedy legend while poking fun at his own public image.

The public’s reaction has been electric. Within hours of the trailer’s release, #RoyalCameo and #WilliamAndLevy trended on X, amassing millions of views. Fans praised William’s natural humor, with one user tweeting, “Prince William joking about getting drunk? He’s officially the coolest royal!” Others shared GIFs of the moment, with captions like “The future king serving comedy gold!” Instagram accounts dedicated to the royals reposted the clip, with comments noting how William’s down-to-earth demeanor mirrors his late mother, Princess Diana. “He’s got her charm and humor,” one follower wrote, referencing Diana’s own playful media moments, like her dance with John Travolta in 1985. The cameo also drew comparisons to Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic 2012 London Olympics skit with Daniel Craig as James Bond, with fans calling it “the royal cameo we didn’t know we needed.”

William’s appearance is a departure from his typically reserved public persona, though not his first brush with entertainment. In 2020, he made a comedic debut on BBC’s The Big Night In, cracking a Tiger King joke during a charity sketch, and in 2021, he spoke candidly about mental health on Apple’s Time to Walk podcast while strolling Sandringham. Earlier in 2025, he appeared on Clarkson’s Farm, revealing his son Prince George’s love for the show. However, the Reluctant Traveler cameo stands out for its international reach and star-studded context. Sources close to Kensington Palace suggest the cameo was filmed during a low-key visit by Levy to Windsor, arranged through mutual connections in the entertainment industry. While the exact date remains undisclosed, the relaxed setting and William’s ease with Levy hint at a spontaneous collaboration.

The cameo aligns with William’s broader efforts to modernize the monarchy. As heir to the throne, he has balanced traditional duties with initiatives like the Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020 to fund environmental solutions, and his advocacy for mental health through the Heads Together campaign. His appearance with Levy, a beloved figure in comedy, bridges royal tradition with contemporary culture, appealing to younger audiences. “William’s savvy enough to know the monarchy needs to stay relevant,” a royal commentator noted on X. “This cameo is a masterclass in soft power.” The choice of Windsor Great Park, a historic estate where William and his family recently moved to the eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, added a personal touch, showcasing a slice of royal life rarely seen by the public.

Levy, a Canadian comedy veteran, is no stranger to high-profile collaborations. His Emmy-winning work on Schitt’s Creek, co-created with his son Dan Levy, made him a household name, and his travel series has earned praise for its humor and heart. The trailer shows Levy exploring London’s landmarks from an open-top bus and walking through Windsor Castle’s Quadrangle, suggesting the episode will delve into British culture. William’s cameo, though brief, is a highlight, with Levy’s quick-witted response amplifying the moment’s charm. “Eugene Levy and Prince William are the duo we never expected but absolutely love,” one Reddit thread declared, with users speculating about a longer segment in the full episode.

The cameo comes at a time of renewed vigor for the royal family. Following a challenging 2024, with both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales battling cancer, 2025 has marked a return to full duties. Kate, who announced her remission in January, joined William for a Natural History Museum visit on September 4, where her “mom-mode” moment shielding a child from rain went viral. The couple’s summer included a family trip to Kefalonia, Greece, and a Balmoral retreat with Charles and Camilla, reflecting a focus on family after a difficult year. William’s lighthearted cameo contrasts with recent tensions, including ongoing estrangement with Prince Harry, whose 2023 memoir Spare detailed a physical altercation with William. While Harry and Meghan faced comedic jabs on Saturday Night Live in May 2025, William’s cameo strikes a positive note, showcasing his ability to engage with global audiences.

Social media has also drawn parallels to other royal cameos. Princess Beatrice’s role as a lady-in-waiting in 2009’s The Young Victoria, produced by her mother Sarah Ferguson, and Prince Charles’ rumored Bond 25 appearance in 2019 reflect the family’s occasional flirtation with film. William’s cameo, however, feels uniquely modern, leveraging streaming platforms to reach a global audience. Fans on X noted the irony of a future king joking about “getting drunk,” with one writing, “He’s poking fun at the royal stereotype—brilliant!” Others speculated about the episode’s content, hoping for more of William’s humor, perhaps discussing his love of Aston Villa football or his environmental work.

Critics, however, have raised eyebrows. Some online voices, particularly on Reddit, questioned whether the cameo risks trivializing the monarchy’s gravitas, with one user commenting, “Is this what the future king does now—cameos for laughs?” Others referenced recent geopolitical tensions, like Dmitry Medvedev’s September 2025 threat to seize royal assets, suggesting William’s lighthearted appearance might fuel narratives of royal privilege. Supporters countered that the cameo humanizes the monarchy, with one X post reading, “William’s showing he can laugh at himself while doing his job. That’s leadership.” The positive reception far outweighs criticism, with the clip boosting anticipation for the series’ premiere.

The cameo’s timing, just before the school term began for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, underscores William’s ability to juggle fatherhood and public life. His rapport with Levy, a father himself, hints at shared values of family and humor. As the royal family prepares for a busy autumn, including Kate’s Together at Christmas concert, William’s cameo serves as a cultural milestone, blending tradition with modernity. Whether it’s a one-off or a sign of more media ventures, the prince’s comedic turn has left an indelible mark, proving that even a future king can steal the show with a well-timed joke.