The Prince of Wales has delivered a powerful appeal to international investors, positioning Wales as a premier destination for business and innovation. Speaking at a major investment summit in Newport, he urged global firms to grasp the "extraordinary possibility" on offer, while paying tribute to his father, the King, for his decades-long championing of the Welsh economy.
A Royal Endorsement for Welsh Business
Addressing delegates at the Wales Investment Summit on Monday 1st December 2025, William expressed his pride in continuing his father's work. He highlighted a key historical example, noting that over half a century ago, the then-Prince of Wales personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to establish its first European factory in Wales. "His leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation is something which I am proud to have the opportunity to continue today," the Prince stated.
He connected this legacy to his own personal history, recalling the time he and the Princess of Wales made their first home together on Anglesey while he served as an RAF search and rescue pilot. "When you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people, and the sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else," William told the audience.
Spotlight on Innovation and Clean Energy
The summit, held at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport and attended by more than 250 companies, showcased Wales's diverse economic strengths. Before his speech, William met entrepreneurs showcasing innovations ranging from colourful prosthetic leg coverings to plans for manufacturing electric Morris JE vans.
The Prince specifically highlighted Wales's response to global challenges. "We face pressures that no one can ignore: accelerating climate change, unprecedented weather disruption and energy insecurity," he said. He then outlined how Wales is becoming a European leader in renewables, citing:
- Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
- Tidal stream energy in the Irish Sea.
- A Hydrogen Hub in the North.
- Solar power projects in Pembrokeshire.
"Together, these projects are positioning Wales as one of the world’s most promising clean-energy hubs," he declared.
A Foundation of Global Tech and Investment
William's advocacy was backed by solid figures and a visit to the new facility of international semiconductor firm KLA in Newport. He noted that technologies designed in Wales are in smartphones and global networks, a "testament to the Welsh capacity to compete and lead on the world stage."
The summit, the most significant event hosted by Wales since the 2014 NATO summit, targeted key sectors including clean energy, technology, life sciences, and financial services. According to Welsh Government data, there are currently 1,545 foreign-owned businesses active in Wales, employing over 176,500 people across the nation.
Concluding his address to an audience including Wales's First Minister Eluned Morgan, the future King framed the moment as pivotal: "I believe that we have reached another significant moment for Welsh investment. An opportunity defined not by the challenges we collectively face, but by extraordinary possibility."
