The Prince and Princess of Wales have marked St David's Day with a heartfelt video message delivered entirely in Welsh, featuring English subtitles for broader accessibility. This significant clip, shared on the couple's official Instagram account, represents the first instance where Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has publicly spoken Welsh in an official capacity.
A Milestone Moment for the Princess
At 44 years old, Catherine's participation in this Welsh-language tribute is a notable milestone, showcasing her engagement with Welsh culture. In contrast, Prince William, aged 43, has previously demonstrated his proficiency in Welsh, including a similar video last year from Kensington Palace and a speech at the Anglesey Agricultural Show back in 2013.
Recording at Frogmore House
The video was recorded earlier this week at Frogmore House, located within the Windsor Home Park estate. Both royals adorned daffodils, the national flower of Wales, adding a symbolic touch to their appearance. Prince William initiated the message by warmly stating, 'To everyone in Wales, a very Happy St David's Day!'
Catherine followed with her own sentiments, expressing, 'Wales is very close to our hearts, and we look forward to every visit. It is a beautiful country, with a rich history and wonderful people.' She concluded by wishing everyone a day filled with celebration alongside family and friends.
Recent Royal Visit to Powys
This digital message coincides with the couple's recent visit to the Welsh county of Powys, where they made an unscheduled stop in the town of Llanidloes. Their first destination was The Hanging Gardens, a community hub that drew cheers from crowds waving Welsh flags and holding daffodils.
Engaging with the Community
During their visit, the Prince and Princess ordered hot drinks and engaged in conversations with locals crafting festival signs in Welsh. At a nearby market, William sampled cider and visited the kitchen where traditional Welsh dishes, such as stew crawl and Welsh cakes, were being prepared for St David's Day festivities.
Despite initial plans to conclude their stop, William and Catherine returned after a brief drive to meet supporters braving heavy rain. They spent 25 minutes interacting with well-wishers, including children who presented them with flowers and hand-drawn pictures.
Personal Interactions and Gestures
Catherine, elegantly dressed, posed for selfies and accepted daffodils from fans, while both royals distributed high-fives and hugs. Their spontaneous engagement highlighted their commitment to connecting with the Welsh public, reinforcing the message shared in their video about the country's significance to them.
