Prince William and Kate's Rainy Welsh Walkabout Wins Hearts with Spontaneous Moments
The Prince and Princess of Wales embarked on a series of engagements across their namesake country yesterday, but it was an unplanned, rain-soaked walkabout that truly "brought the sunshine" and captured the affection of their admirers. Prince William, 43, and Kate, 44, deviated from their scheduled itinerary seven times during a visit to Powys ahead of St David's Day, accepting daffodils and posing for countless selfies with fans who endured a downpour for a glimpse of the royals.
Apologies and Adoration in the Rain
The future King humorously remarked that they "usually brought the sunshine" but had failed on Thursday, as he and Kate met a group of children gathered outside the Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes. Despite the weather, the visit proved a resounding success, with videos circulating online showing delighted well-wishers engaging with the couple. A charming clip depicted Kate, whose outfit was described as plum perfection, playing rock, paper, scissors with young fans outside an Indian takeaway restaurant near a community centre.
The princess feigned disappointment when her rock was beaten by paper, as her jubilant challenger celebrated the victory. "They’re the kind of moments children will tell their friends about for years - proudly, excitedly - and carry with them for a lifetime," one X user wrote while sharing photos of Kate being embraced by a girl during a separate walkabout in Newtown.
Gifts and Gestures from Adoring Fans
Hugs were not the only offerings extended to the Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday. The Waleses accepted an assortment of gifts from fans, including an iron hook from a 21-year-old metalsmith, a box of chocolates, and laminated drawings of themselves - though they politely declined a whole leg of lamb. In one of the most heartwarming moments of the trip, a seven-year-old girl named Leman Wetti excitedly tied a handmade necklace around Kate's neck, explaining, "I did it because I wanted to be kind."
The Princess of Wales showcased her most charming self as she greeted young fans in Wales with smiles, hugs, and playful interactions. Kate and William visited the Oriel Davies art gallery in Newtown to see a project funded by the Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award. They joined a group of children for an art workshop, witnessing firsthand how these classes foster connection and community, as Leman presented the princess with her beaded necklace.
The pair shared a laugh as Kate moved her hair aside so Leman could securely fasten the necklace, before the future Queen eagerly asked, "What do you think? Does it look okay?" Reacting to the clip, one X user commented, "She will never forget this moment, where a Princess came to her school and loved the necklace she made." Another remarked, "Princess of Wales truly is the children’s princess."
Embracing the Youngest Admirers
One video captured Kate meeting a group of nursery children waving Welsh flags they had coloured in. It was hug after hug for Kate, who huddled under an umbrella and pretended to be frightened when a three-year-old boy roared at her. When a little girl rushed to cuddle with Kate, the princess happily wrapped her arms around her, though the adorable fan seemed reluctant to let go, as photos showed her burying her face inside the royal's burgundy coat.
Meanwhile, Prince William accepted daffodils for his wife before a young boy in a dinosaur coat informed the future King he was waiting for Kate. Kate rushed over, crouched to accept his bouquet, and told him, "Very nice to meet you. These are lovely flowers, aren't they? I love daffodils. Did you get very wet? Thank you for coming to meet us."
Family Support Amidst Royal Turmoil
Before they drove away after one of their most memorable walkabouts in recent times, a retired councillor told Prince William that the country was thinking of his family amid the crisis surrounding his disgraced uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The former prince is being investigated for misconduct in public office over allegations he exploited his role to leak confidential information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and other wealthy contacts.
His dramatic downfall, capped by his sensational arrest last week, will see the disgraced royal retreat to his new home on the Sandringham Estate. Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing over his friendship with Epstein. King Charles stated that the "law must take its course" in an unprecedented message, vowing the royal family will "continue in our duty and service to you all." As William and Kate charmed hundreds of Welsh fans, the King's message of service resonated through Llanidoes.
Fashion with a Thrifty Touch
For yesterday's visit, the Princess of Wales demonstrated her thrifty approach to dressing by re-wearing an Alexander McQueen coat from 2024. Kate, 44, paired the stylish burgundy number with her merlot Gianvito Rossi leather boots, both previously worn during the Qatar state visit, along with her matching ME+EM pussy bow blouse and her £570 CO pleated midi skirt.
Adding a touch of glitz to her colour-coordinated ensemble, the mother-of-three sported her £1,600 Kiki McDonough Citrine Cushion Drop earrings. She completed the look with a daffodil pin on one lapel of her coat, honouring Wales' primary symbol, traditionally worn on St David’s Day, the annual celebration commemorating the patron saint of the nation.
