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CHEEKY Paul Gascoigne today caught Prince William by surprise when he planted a peck on the royal's cheek.

The Prince of Wales, 41, was stunned when the footy ace joined hundreds crammed inside Pret A Manger in Bournemouth.

Prince William with Paul Gascoigne during a royal visit to Bournemouth
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Prince William with Paul Gascoigne during a royal visit to BournemouthCredit: Getty
The former footballer gave the prince a kiss on the cheek
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The former footballer gave the prince a kiss on the cheek
The Prince of Wales visited Bournemouth businesses pledging their support to the Homewards programme, which aims to end homelessness
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The Prince of Wales visited Bournemouth businesses pledging their support to the Homewards programme, which aims to end homelessnessCredit: Getty
Its thought Harry and William haven't spoken in months
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Its thought Harry and William haven't spoken in months

It comes as the Duke of Sussex, 38, is set to arrive in the capital today for the WellChild awards, but is unlikely to meet with King Charles or Prince William during his quick visit.

But William looked unbothered by the brotherly rift as he met with royal fans in Bournemouth - while Charles was spotted in Scotland today.

Wills made a surprise visit at the Pret A Manger sandwich store as part of his five-year Homewards project to end homelessness.

And in the shop the royal got a shock when he spotted football star Paul Gascoigne.

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The pair shook hands before Gascoigne cheekily leant in and kissed the prince on the cheek.

The peck is against British royal etiquette - with men advised to bow their neck when meeting a monarch.

However, William looked unfazed when he was embraced by the former England midfielder.

Former Spurs and Rangers legend Gazza said afterwards: “I’ve met him a couple of times and met him at Wembley (Euro 2020 semi finals), he loves his football, I climbed over a few chairs to talk to him and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“I came past Pret and someone said William was there so I saw him and gave another peck on the cheek.

“He’s a good looking guy. He said ‘I even got a kiss’. 

“He said he has been watching us from afar. I help homeless here in Bournemouth I often give them ciggies and sandwiches.” 

Afterwards the Prince of Wales has been joined by Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett and other business officials..

As he walked in to the meeting, the Prince quipped that he was late because Paul Gascoigne showed up before he headed to the Vitality Stadium.

It is believe the England football legend was not part of the official plans and just showed up.

After the awards ceremony on Thursday night, Harry will travel to Dusseldorf for the Invictus games.

It’s thought he has not been in touch with the Duke of Sussex for months.

The visit is the first time Harry has returned to the UK since his father King Charles’s coronation – but Meghan Markle is not expected to be by his side today.

He is not expected to be bringing his children, Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 1, to the UK on the London visit either.

It comes as the nation prepares to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing on Friday.

Senior royals are set to mark the sombre occasion privately at the Balmoral estate in Scotland.

It comes a week after Harry’s first solo Netflix show failed to make the top ten.

During the series, the Duke launched a fresh attack, saying he had “no support structure” to help him cope with the sudden death of his mother at the age of 12.

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But Heart of Invictus – the latest series to spring from the couple’s £80 million deal with the streaming giant – has failed to take off since its release.

The six-part series telling the inspirational stories of war wounded soldiers competing in the 2022 Invictus Games is Harry’s first major solo docuseries project.

Charles was seen in Scotland today
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Charles was seen in Scotland todayCredit: Northpix
Prince William with Pret CEO Pano Christou during a visit to Pret A Manger in Bournemouth, England
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Prince William with Pret CEO Pano Christou during a visit to Pret A Manger in Bournemouth, EnglandCredit: Getty
Its believed Charles will not see his son while he is in the UK
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Its believed Charles will not see his son while he is in the UK
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