Prince William was captured enjoying an early afternoon electric scooter ride this afternoon, with the heir-to-the-throne seen zooming around the Windsor Castle estate.

Royal watchers caught the bizarre sight on camera after the Prince of Wales, 42, rounded a corner and passed through a gate on the castle grounds. He was snapped looking smartly dressed, with a white shirt tucked under a blue sweater, a pair of black slacks, and scooter-suitable casual shoes.

An insider suggested that the Prince wasn’t just enjoying an afternoon ride and that his scooter had a specific royal work-related purpose. They said he uses the vehicle to travel the lengthy distance from his family home to the main building when meeting with his father.

The source told The Sun: “It just makes sense. He whizzes up to the castle when he needs to see the King.” They added: “It’s a two or three-mile round trip from his family home at ­Adelaide Cottage to Windsor Castle so it’s easier by scooter than car or walking.”

Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the Prince uses the transport to ferry himself to meetings with the monarch, but his expansive estate likely requires a little more than walking. The entire residence covers 655 acres – just over a square mile – and includes a golf course, Frogmore House, and Frogmore Cottage.

The unusual sight tickled social media users, who were delighted to see the future King enjoying himself. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, one user sharing the footage said: “What a way to start the day! Nothing like William on a scooter!”

Another added: “Lad deserves a bit of fun.” Other social media users suggested William’s unexpected afternoon debut would have a bearing on how he might perform as king. One said: “He’s so funny. I think someday William will be a great king.” Another added: “The coolest future king.”

While the scooter doesn’t necessarily indicate how he may act as king, it does show his love for motor vehicles. William is a long-time fan of motorbikes, and once joined his brother, Prince Harry, on a cross-country rally. He has since dropped the hobby, however, with his young children forcing him to “tone down”.