Prince Albert II of Monaco stunned locals in Cornwall when he turned up at a seaside resort for some go-karting at the St Eval Kart Circuit.
The Crown Prince of Monaco flew in on a private jet on Wednesday to celebrate the birthday party of a friend that lives in the area.
The 59-year-old is the only son of Rainier III of Monaco and American film star Grace Kelly, becoming ruler of the Mediterranean principality in 2005.
The Crown Prince of Monaco, Albert II (pictured) stunned locals after he turned up for some go-karting at St Eval Kart Circuit in Cornwall
He is one of the wealthiest royals in the world with assets valued at more than $1 billion which include land in Monaco and France.
But Prince Albert swapped the glamour of Monaco for St Mawgan, a village in Cornwall.
He came in on a private jet on Wednesday to stay with his friend Tom De La Hunty, who is a Winter Olympic athlete and trainer living in Newquay.
They are firm friends, having bonded through their shared love of winter sports.
Prince Albert II came in on a private jet on Wednesday to celebrate the birthday of his friend Tom De La Hunty, who he also stayed with
After touching down in Cornwall, Formula 1 enthusiast Prince Albert headed over to the St Eval Kart Circuit for a private race event
Prince Albert has visited Cornwall before, in July 2006, when he attended Mr De La Hunty’s 50th birthday party.
Prior to his marriage, Prince Albert was known as one of the world’s most eligible bachelors, having dated several fashion models and actresses, including Claudia Schiffer.
But the trip to Newquay gave him a chance to relax in a more informal setting.
After touching down in Cornwall, Formula 1 enthusiast Prince Albert and his entourage headed to St Eval Kart Circuit for a private race event on Wednesday afternoon.
Prince Albert swapped the glitz and glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix for a day of go-karting in Cornwall, stunning locals
Craig Broad, the manager at St Eval Kart Circuit, said the Prince and his entourage were in a ‘party mood’ during their surprising visit
The group then went on to a party at Captain Jack’s restaurant on Marcus Hill, owned by Mr De La Hunty’s brother-in-law, Robin Foster.
While in Newquay, Prince Albert is believed to have stayed at Mr De La Hunty’s home.
Craig Broad, manager at St Eval Kart Circuit, said the Prince and his entourage were in a ‘party mood’.
He said: ‘Prince Albert came over for a friend’s birthday, who lives in Newquay.
Prince Albert II, pictured with his wife Princess Charlene, is one of the wealthiest royals in the world with assets valued at more than $1 billion
‘We had about 48 hours’ notice for him to come down and there was a security inspection.
‘He came over on Wednesday afternoon, there were about 14 people in the party.
Prince Albert II is an avid and well-known Formula One fan, regularly visiting the glamorous Monaco Grand Prix
‘I can’t give names, but there were some high up there people including film producers.
‘He was here for about an hour and a half.
‘It was a slight shame because they got caught in the hail.
‘But the group was in quite the party mood, playing games among themselves.
‘It was an upbeat group.
‘The Prince didn’t talk about Newquay, or Cornwall, but he was very approachable and a really nice guy.
‘He chatted to us, shook our hands and said thank you.’
Mr Broad said the circuit is no stranger to celebrity visits, but not on this level.
‘We get celebrities popping in quite often, I must admit, but it’s the first time we’ve had royalty here,’ he added.
‘Normal it will be celebs who are on TV; we get Nick Knowles popping in quite a bit, we’ve had Gordon Ramsay and other chefs, and EastEnders stars among others.
‘It’s a crazy, crazy world.’
Prince Albert II on the podium of the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix with driver Sebastian Vettel on May 28, 2017