Prince William goes viral after giving student royal pardon for being late to class

Prince William recording the message for Samantha Johnson's TikTok at Ulster University's Belfast City Campus Centre on November 14. Photo / Getty Images

Prince William has given a student a “royal pardon” for being late to class.

The royal father of three, 42, was at Ulster University on Friday during his official trip to Northern Ireland when he made a TikTok for Samantha Johnson telling her professor she was tied up and wouldn’t make her study class on time.

In a clip viewed more than four million times on TikTok, Samantha was seen with a group of other young people standing around William.

She says in the clip: “Yeah, just tell her why we’re late.”

After checking the professor’s name and that the video was rolling, William told Samantha’s professor: “Lesley, I’m very sorry we’re late, but they seem to be caught up, and they wouldn’t believe that you were here, so, just wanted to say hi.”

Samantha wrote over the video: “POV – Prince William gives you the best excuse for being late.”

@samanthaj0hns0n

#princewilliam #royalfamily #ulsteruniversity #university #lecture #late

♬ original sound - samantha

She later told People magazine: “He really took a genuine interest in all of our interests and future plans. Honestly, [he] gave the most positive vibes and seems like such a sweet, kind-hearted individual.

“Even took time to tell us about his plans to help the homeless to spread awareness.”

Samantha added in response to the flood of comments on her video: “Best excuse ever. Can’t argue with a royal pardon.”

When asked if she got away with the excuse, she said: “Course I did”, adding her professor “loved it”.

She added it was “so unexpected” and a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to meet William.

When an online user said interactions with royals are “getting more and more unserious”, Samantha replied: “Makes them seem more real”, before adding William was “one of the nicest people I’ve met”.

She added: “Genuinely takes care in trying to get to know you ... didn’t expect him to be so sound ... he’s literally adorable.”