The Prince of Wales received an unexpectedly warm welcome during a public engagement in North Wales today, when an excited royal fan enthusiastically pulled him into an embrace.
A Heartwarming Welcome on the Beach
Prince William was ambushed by a dedicated royal supporter who rushed to wrap her arms around the future king during his walk along Colwyn Bay beach. Laughing warmly, the Prince bent down to reciprocate the hug, creating a memorable moment for the gathered crowd who had braved the cold weather to see him.
The visit to North Wales held special significance for William, who previously served as a search and rescue helicopter pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey for three years before leaving the armed forces in 2013.
Focus on Youth and Marine Conservation
The primary purpose of the engagement was to shine a spotlight on young people living in coastal communities. William walked along the beach with members of the Marine Conservation Society's Youth Ocean Network, a team of young people working to improve youth engagement in marine conservation across the UK.
He later met volunteers and young people involved in the Marine Conservation Society's Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project, where he heard personal stories about what participants had learned through their work. The discussions focused on the ocean's influence and the importance of spending time by the sea for mental wellbeing.
Supporting Youth Development and Arts
The Prince's itinerary also included a visit to Youth Shedz in the village of Mochdre, an organisation that creates safe spaces for young people facing challenges such as school exclusion, bullying, and homelessness. William spoke with young people who have gained new skills, built confidence, and made positive impacts in their community through the charity.
His final engagement featured a comedy workshop run by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, co-founder of Gwneud, Make, Do. The comedy school aims to develop comedic talents and open up art opportunities, particularly for those from low-income households or rural locations. William met aspiring comics to discuss the challenges of accessing arts opportunities in remote coastal areas.
