Prince William surprises fans holding vigil to mark Princess Diana's birthday

A group of royal fans received the surprise of their life when they were greeted by Prince William as they held a vigil outside Kensington Palace last night in honour of Princess Diana's 58th birthday.

The tearful fans, who began their vigil at 5.30am, were left in shock when the late Diana's eldest son emerged from behind the palace gates at 6.45pm. 

Accompanied by just a small security detail, the Duke of Cambridge shook everyone's hand and thanked them for celebrating his mother's life and legacy.

"William told me he knew we'd been coming here for years and thanked us for what we were doing for his mother," 59-year-old John Loughrey told the Daily Mail.

"I'm still shaking now. I feel very emotional," he added.

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"He said 'I'm touched by what you do, you've got quite the collection.' I told him that I pray for his mother every Sunday at Westminster Abbey and he seemed really touched."

"He shook my hand three times, he has a really firm shake, and I felt a beautiful feeling go through my body."

"I have never spoken to William before, only seen him, but he made a beeline for me and he knew who I was. I am so touched. He seemed really moved that we were here."

According to reports, the prince spent around seven minutes chatting to the group, leaving only when crowds started to gather, saying it was a private visit.