There was no press in attendance, no palace officials, in fact the royal duo were only spied by chance by a journalist investigating the flooding.
They were at a railway crossing in Datchet, a village in Berkshire hit by the floods, and spent more than 10 hours toiling in terrible conditions.
With a small team from the Household Cavalry and railway staff the Princes, clad in gum boots and waterproofs, were discovered lugging sandbags as part of a human chain.
Palace officials confirmed it was a “private mission” which was intended to fly under the radar.
Britain is currently in a virtual state of emergency as more bad weather batters the island with no hope of a let up.
The Princes response was one being echoed by many less high profile folk all over England keen to help communities protect their properties and livelihoods.
The discretion of the royal actions was reminiscent of their mother Princess Diana, who frequently made secret mercy missions to help those in need.