Royal fans spot Prince William's heartwarming accessory as he spends time away from his children

Prince William has been spotted wearing a brand new accessory with an adorable meaning.

The Prince of Wales, 40, is in Cape Town, South Africa, for a series of outings to promote his Earthshot prize.

The annual environment achievement supports sustainable and eco-friendly projects from around the world, with five winners receiving £1m each.

So far, the Prince has been seen meeting young environmentalists and he even had time to play a rugby game with local school children.

The father-of-three has taken a heartwarming reminder of home with him. The Prince’s children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, often call their dad ‘Papa’.

The young Royals called their dad ‘Papa’ when they sent a special Father’s Day message to him earlier this year, and on his 42nd birthday a few days later as well.

On June 17, Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton shared a photo to mark Father’s Day, and the caption was a note from their children. It read: “We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day 💕 G, C & L.”

During his trip in South Africa, the Prince was spotted wearing a cute friendship bracelet with the word ‘Papa’ front and centre on his right wrist.

The friendship bracelet is blue and green, the colours of Earth, with the word ‘Papa’ spelled out in black and white beads.

He was first seen wearing the accessory as he met more than 120 young leaders at the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program. He then joined a rugby game at Ocean View Secondary school with young South African children from three townships.

The bracelet was reportedly made for the future King by Princess Charlotte, and it did not go unnoticed.

One Royal admirer on X shared: “Awwwwww a cool papa!”

Another person wrote: “The sweetest thing you’ll see today!”

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been married for 13 years, celebrating their anniversary back in April, and currently reside at Adelaide Cottage near Windsor Castle alongside their three children.

While the pair are fairly private regarding their personal lives, William reportedly opened up a little more about how he and Kate tend to sleep together.

Louise Harland told Hits Radio Cornwall last month that the 42-year-old stroked her dog, Jacks, and revealed to her that his family dog, a cocker spaniel named Orla, often sleeps on the bed alongside him and Kate.

"[William] said that his little dog sleeps on the bed with them at night, with him and Kate," Louise claimed.

"[He was] absolutely in love with my little dog. He asked what breed he was and he's never met one of those breeds, he's a cockerjack, so he's a little bit of a unique combination."