The Princess of Wales has recorded a special message for BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans, speaking fluent Welsh as he reached the final day of his 4 Nations Cycle Challenge.
Evans, a Welsh broadcaster, began the challenge as part of his fundraising efforts for BBC Children in Need. The five-day challenge involves cycling nearly 400 miles across all four UK nations, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales.
A Royal Surprise
In her message, the princess said: “Hi Owain, it's Catherine, you're doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!”
Reacting, he said: “Stop it! No way!”
Radio 2 host Sara Cox had told him that they had a “royal surprise” for him. She said: “The Princess of Wales has got a message for you, not only that, but she's doing it in your mother tongue.”
Reaction to the Princess's Welsh
Talking about Catherine’s use of Welsh, Evans said: “It's perfect! She's doing great!” He added: “That’s just incredible. It’s amazing, Sara. Thank you, Your Highness.”
Princess Catherine has spoken Welsh in public before. In March, the Princess spoke Welsh for the first time in a joint message with Prince William to mark St David's Day. At the time, she said: “Wales is very close to our hearts, and we look forward to every visit.”
William has also spoken about the memories he and Princess Catherine have in Wales. He said: “Wales was the first place Catherine and I made our home together, on the island of Anglesey. 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.”
Children in Need Broadcast
The three-hour Children In Need fundraising programme was broadcast live from Salford, featuring “dazzling performances, exclusive sketches and surprise appearances”.
The show included a return of the Children In Need choir, and showcased inspiring stories from children and young people across the UK to highlight the impact of the charity. It was hosted by Cox, The One Show’s Alex Jones and presenters Rylan Clark, Mel Giedroyc and Tyler West.
