The Prince of Wales shared warm moments with the public and young environmental champions during a visit to the North Wales coast, highlighting the critical work of marine conservation.
A Royal Day for the Coast
On Tuesday 25th November 2025, under bright winter sunshine, Prince William travelled to Colwyn Bay in north Wales. His primary mission was to learn about the efforts of the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Youth Ocean Network, a group of young people dedicated to raising awareness about their precious local coastline.
Upon stepping onto the promenade, the future King was immediately greeted by dozens of well-wishers. The visit took a personal turn when one woman hugged the Prince. Displaying his characteristic warmth, William also told another member of the public, "You’ve been here for a while, I can tell – you’ve got the coldest hands." He happily paused for numerous selfies, even assisting 61-year-old Tracy Earl with her smartphone to ensure the picture was perfect.
Championing Youth and Conservation
William’s engagement went beyond the beach. He spent time with young volunteers and Gareth Cunningham, the MCS director of conservation and policy, strolling along a stretch of sand near the town centre. Later, at a nearby restaurant, he addressed participants of the MCS’s two-year Hiraeth Yn Y Mor (Longing for the Sea) project, which concluded in March 2025.
He praised their persistence, stating, "I know it’s difficult to keep interest in marine things, well done for keeping going." The initiative saw young people collaborate with communities in Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Kinmel Bay to promote the sustainable management of marine heritage and the wellbeing benefits of connecting with the ocean.
Mr Cunningham later commended the Prince's genuine interest, noting, "There was proper engagement, you could see he was really passionate about the project." He emphasised the global importance of the bay for seabirds and the ongoing work to regenerate the sea, bringing back species like oysters to clean the water and support community health and livelihoods.
Community and Comedy
The Prince’s day also focused on broader youth opportunities. He visited Youth Shedz in the village of Mochdre, an organisation providing safe spaces for youngsters, where he joined in a game of pool.
He concluded his trip at a comedy workshop led by comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, co-founder of Gwneud, Make, Do. William laughed along as young participants improvised pantomimes, condensing Cinderella and Aladdin into sixty-second performances. He told Ms Pritchard-McLean, "You’ve laid a good groundwork for any wanting to go on in the future," ending his visit on a light-hearted note that underscored his support for community-driven initiatives.
