Ahead of St David's Day, the Prince and Princess of Wales spent the day in South Wales carrying out several engagements in the area.
The couple made their first trip to Wales on Saturday when they attended a Six Nations match in Cardiff. I posited the possibility they might take the opportunity to spend the weekend at their Welsh residence Llwynywermod (purchased by the Duchy of Cornwall in 2007). As we looked ahead to this year, a pre-Coronation spring tour seemed a certainty on the agenda. According to several reports, one of the primary reasons this was shelved was in order to spend time in Wales. In addition to 'away days', something like a family week over Easter break could be a lovely idea. Equally, I do hope to see the addition of local patronages for both the Prince and Princess.
Their first port of call was an embargoed visit to Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre near Pontyclun. The couple have pledged support from the Royal Foundation with horticultural therapy provider Life at No.27 to create several therapy gardens and allotments. The centre serves as a residential site providing treatment for those fighting addiction.
Founder of Life at No.27, Annabelle Padwick, told the BBC: "As the founder I have seen first-hand how working with therapy gardens can dramatically improve self-belief and your own mental health. Our unique therapy allotments and gardens are vital as they offer a safe environment for those experiencing mental ill health, to process and explore difficult experiences with trained therapists while at the same time learning new skills. Working with The Prince and Princess of Wales is so important as their support enables us to collaboratively raise awareness of the work we do, the growing vital need that we aim to meet, and how much the experiences and relationships we have can shape our future."
Very sweetly, the couple were introduced to therapy dogs including a very friendly St Bernard and seven-year-old Great Dane Ragnar. Kate said he "must be very popular".
The Princess received a beautiful bouquet.
'Two-year-old Cora Phillips then gave Kate a bunch of daffodils as the royal couple left the centre and Cora’s mother Michelle Phillips, from Llanharan, said: "Oh my goodness, I did not expect that in a million years."
Turning to her daughter, she said: "We just met a princess. We’re never going to forget that."
Ms Phillips said they live nearby and had bought daffodils ahead of St David’s Day tomorrow on March 1.'
Among seeds Kate planted were 'Sweet William'. Volunteer Vanessa told the Princess they would flower in two years and promised to send her some.
William and Kate were shown locations for the allotments.
'The Royal Foundation said the series of projects were designed to leave a "lasting impact" in the communities the couple visit on royal engagements.
Amanda Berry, chief executive of The Royal Foundation said: "Their Royal Highnesses are passionate about creating a lasting impact in the communities they visit, playing an instrumental role in bringing together local stakeholders to amplify the work of organisations, and ensure support reaches those who need it most.
"Their Royal Highnesses continue to prioritise our society's mental health and spending time in nature is known to have a range of benefits, including reducing depression and anxiety."
The Prince and Princess then visited Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre where it was time for a spot of friendly competition.
Hello! reports: "In contrast to William's hesitancy, his wife upped the ante, adding extra gears to her bike to make it even more challenging, asking: 'Can I make it harder?' The duo laughed their way through the session, but Princess Kate proved she has serious experience on a spin bike."
On yer bike!
— South Wales News (@SouthWales_News) February 28, 2023
HRHs The Prince and Princess of Wales are taking part in a spin challenge at #Aberavon Leisure Centre where they're paying a special visit this lunchtime. #SouthWales #StDavidsDay #DyddGŵylDewi #PortTalbot pic.twitter.com/33Qhm2kMKA
William and Kate learned how the centre's efforts in sport and exercise are supporting the mental health of locals. The centre opened its doors in 2016 and offers a range of activities to cater to the needs of people across Aberavon.
Crowds eagerly awaiting the royal walkabout.
Crowds are excitedly waiting in Aberavon as their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales are due to arrive shortly.
— South Wales News (@SouthWales_News) February 28, 2023
Our reporter @ashton_kirby is there and we'll bring you more of the royal visit this afternoon. #SouthWales #PortTalbot pic.twitter.com/hnoU3BwfBr
The couple spent time chatting with locals outside.
Aberavon is a town in Neath Port Talbot county borough, located on the east side of Swansea bay. The area's seafront is one of Wales' longest beaches. A popular surfers hotspot and picnicking area, it's a main attraction especially during the warmer months of the year.
From there, it was an engagement particularly close to William's heart. They stopped by the Wales Air Ambulance charity to meet emergency responders. The charity, which was founded in 2001, has completed over 43,000 missions and is on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The visit coincided with news William has become patron of Wales Air Ambulance. Kensington Palace said: "Through his work as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, His Royal Highness has seen first-hand the impact these first responders have upon the lives of patients with critical injuries. As patron of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, the Prince will continue his work championing the efforts of those working on the frontline and the importance of supporting their mental health."
Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It is an immense honour for our charity to welcome His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales as our royal patron. This announcement comes not just a day before St David’s Day but also the day before our charity celebrates its 22nd birthday. The Prince has first-hand experience of working in the unique and often challenging air ambulance environment. His work, along with the Princess, in highlighting the need for mental health support for frontline emergency workers is something that is appreciated and wholeheartedly supported by our charity. We look forward to our new relationship with The Prince as our charity continues to support a lifesaving service for the people of Wales.”
Speaking to emergency responders, the conversation turned to mental health.
Kensington Palace said: "Mental health support for emergency responders has long been a passion for the Prince of Wales, who in 2021 announced the launch of the Blue Light Together package of mental health support at the Royal Foundation Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium. The Prince of Wales has previously served as both an Air Ambulance and an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot."
A Palace spokesperson added: "Following this, the Prince and Princess officially opened a new family room which has been designed by a bereaved family who lost their father in a tragic road accident. The room has been created as a safe space for families, nurses and volunteers and the Prince and Princess will sit down with the family who designed the room, along with the nurses and volunteers who have helped them since losing their father."
The Princess was stylish in separates and familiar accessorises. Whilst Kate's coat remains unidentified, several design elements suggest it is likely (though not definitely) a bespoke Alexander McQueen piece.
Kate's houndstooth tweed midi skirt is by ZARA (with thanks to Christine).
Kate wore her suede Gianvito Rossi boots.
And carried her black Mulberry Amberley handbag.
And last but certainly not least it was a blast from the past in the form of a pair of pearl earrings...
Over a decade ago, an elegant pair by Heavenly London Earrings (also favoured by the Countess of Wessex) featured quite prominently in Kate's rotation. So much so, she chose them for a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
After a number of years, they made a reappearance today. I have wondered if Kate might have been looking through the various jewels she's worn for significant royal occasions ahead of the Coronation. The £90 pair remain available here. They are described as a "classic"; "Crafted to a standard of quality, the reconstituted pearl and diamond look-alike stones create an heirloom-like appearance. An elegant and sophisticated choice that won't go unnoticed."
Tomorrow, William and Kate will celebrate St David's Day with the Welsh Guards in Windsor.
I like very much this new slim and elegant off-white coat. Maybe it is a design made by Catherine Walker because it resembles very much the pattern of a checked blazer with three buttons. The black-white theme is lovely. I appreciate that Kate wore again these classic pearl earrings from 2012 after such a long time gap. The only negative points of this outfit are the too-long skirt showing up under the seam of the coat and the non-matching white colour of the top.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Walker is another excellent possibility Angelina :)
DeleteI would usually agree with you on the skirt hanging below the coat, but because it is only the unhemmed edge peeping out, for some reason I quite like it. I do agree the off whites don't quite match.
DeleteI'm loving today's ensemble. Houndstooth again, as on Saturday, but covered by a lovely Winter white coat. And they are visiting a charity they have helped to fund, as well as raising awareness for it.
ReplyDeleteLove the event and love her outfit! Ali
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like exercise to support mental health, which is one of the Wales causes, and of course an air ambulance service is the perfect patronage for Prince William. Very apropos engagements today.
ReplyDeleteThe Princess is certainly going full-on houndstooth, isn't she? It's a favorite textile of mine, too. I love the red and white coat she wore the other day, and while I don't really care for the design of this skirt, I do like the fabric. This is a nice, crisp, black & white ensemble, mostly suitable for the engagements, albeit not for pedaling hell for leather on a stationary bike. I think the earrings might be best worn with a dressier outfit, but they are unobtrusive enough that they didn't look too out of place.
I am a huge fan of impractical white, cream, and ivory coats, though I've discovered that they are hard to find at reasonable price points. I own a below-the-knee cream coat that I bought at Ann Taylor and had tailored to be more fitted (I also had the buttons changed), so that it looks more high end than it is. I also own the ivory Anine Bing Hunter coat that the Duchess of Sussex wore for an episode of the "Ellen" show. This example worn by the Princess is lovely. Given the way it fits and its length, my guess is that it is indeed a bespoke item, and I am voting for Catherine Walker as the designer. I'd love to own it, but its likely cost means that I'd be afraid to wear it. I'm already wary of wearing my two cream/ivory coats to any venue where food or red wine is being served!
I like the events they did today - very worthy. I nearly like the outfit. Like a pp I noticed that the skirt is 1cm longer than the coat and the white/cream of the jumper, skirt and coat didn't quite go together, for me (although that could just be the photos). Anyway, nice to see them both.
ReplyDeleteAgreed - the events were very nicely picked and combined. I wonder what is behind the fact that this year we are seeing so many couple engagements from W&K. I love them together but I also feel they could divide their time and attention between more causes if they worked separately more often. I suspect they want to show us their unity and strength as a couple and maybe they even like to turn to each other for support during the engagements. Anyway I can't wait to see them again for St David's Day, what a treat to have two back to back engagement days - something to look forward to in the middle of a busy week. :)
DeleteElla
Ella, I agree that there must be some strategy behind the joint engagements, and would venture that it is to show unity but also to help establish their identify as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. Charles has been Prince of Wales since 1975, and the last Princess of Wales was Diana, long term and very memorable associations. I believe that up until the coronation, there will be more joint engagements to help further imprint upon the public their new titles and roles within the monarchy.
DeleteAnon 20:04, that is a great observation on your part! I agree. I love the insight one can get from this lovely community.
DeleteElla
Spin bike in a skirt! That was a risky choice! She looks great though.
ReplyDeleteOh my word!! She is looking radiant! I absolutely love this look on her!! I want it for myself, haha. Love the engagements and so appreciative they are bringing awareness to these various areas and operations. ♥️
ReplyDeletePlease, what are the yellow flowers on the Prince & Princess's lapels? Do they have a meaning? DWLee333 in Central Oregon
ReplyDeleteDaffodils for St David's Day :)
DeleteThe daffodil is the national flower of Wales and is often sported on St. David's Day, David being the Welsh patron saint. After all, they are prettier than leeks, another symbol of Wales.
DeleteDaffodils are the flower of Wales and at this time of year the charity "MacMillan Cancer Nurses" always sell daffodil lapel pins to raise money for their excellent cause.
DeleteThank you! @DWLee333 in Central Oregon
DeleteI like this outfit, K styled the black and white very well and the boots match nicely. I personally dress in mostly neutral colors so this is a hit for me unlike the jewel colors.
ReplyDeleteI just love the skirt, and shoes. The coat is lovely but I keep seeing the difference between the coat and sweater; in one case, the coat gives the sweater a slight pinkish hue. Seems like black would be better for the top. Love the earrings but they don't seem to go with the outfit. But the skirt is one I would love to wear.
ReplyDeleteHead to toe, perfection! Fresh, stylish, yet not overly expensive. I like the graphic black-white combination and I think it works really well with the boots.
ReplyDeleteIf I could whisper one observation to Kate, it would be to suggest that she consider shorter hair, or at least some shorter layers to frame her face. The straight hair, especially when it's completely tucked behind her shoulders, can look almost severe. I prefer the softer and more youthful appearance that she has when her hair has movement and shows around her face.
I LOVE this outfit! A great mix of old pieces, high street and custom. My only negative to this outfit is I feel Catherine would benefit from a nice hair chop! I usually love her curls but I think it is time for a change!
ReplyDeleteShe looks lovely and such a nice range of events! Beautiful coat and fun skirt. Looks good with boots. The spin class will forever be one of my favorites for both video and pictures! Goals! I’ve done spin classes and I am a hot, sweaty mess but she looks elegant in that outfit and hair down. How?! William is a great sport, too. Fun day! Thanks Charlotte! Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteOh, I am loving this look! Beautiful coat, skirt, boots, purse, turtleneck and nice touch with the gloves 👍🏻 I’d like to see this with a black turtleneck like the model is wearing too. Either or, just lovely. Her hair is gorgeous. Prince William looked great too ☺️ Thanks Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteJoanne in CA
Hi Charlotte:
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information in all your posts; I find it all so very interesting. I do have a few questions on the therapy garden: will there be several in various locations or will it be just this garden first with more to come in the future. Do you know whether the Princess will have a hand in the design very much like she did a few years ago in the Chelsea in the Flower show?
Lastly, these competitive events between the couple have become a stable on their tours and are so much fun to watch; furthermore, the two seem to love them!
Once again thank you for all your hard work. Your blog is the most informative of most royal blogs in the blogosphere, at least the ones I follow. Good job and blessings on you and your family.
Best wishes from across the pond!
RW.
Hello RW, my understanding is they will be all located in the same area as part of their 'community impact days'. There's been no word on Kate's involvement, but we could absolutely be informed she is involved in that process as the projects are unveiled. I'll keep you all posted on it.
DeleteThis is from Wales Online:
"The allotments and garden are being developed over the coming months and will offer free and low-cost gardening therapy and mental health support sessions for the centre’s service users and their families. According to The Royal Foundation, in time residents from the local and wider community who are experiencing mental ill health, low confidence or isolation will also have access to the garden through GP referrals."
Hello Charlotte: Thank you very much for the information on the gardens. Looking forward to seeing the finished product: such a clever idea! All the best. RW.
DeleteHow perfect William to be named patron of the air ambulance service I’m sure he’ll follow keenly the activities of the organisation. Kate looked lovely in monochrome today although as another commenter pointed out the ratio of coat length and skirt length is not quite right but no big deal. I like the raw edges on the skirt to give it a bit of interest. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteI love this look, it’s different & she looks beautiful. I prefer the styling with a black turtleneck, as pictured above - and I’m sure we’ll see her wear this gorgeous skirt in the future styled this way. I adore the way that she & William playfully compete, and look at each other with pride & admiration. For the first time today I thought the Princess needed to take a few inches off her hair. I loved the full, bouncy hair from 2011/12. But, that’s just my thoughts, and she looks amazing anyway, and clearly loves it long, long. She’s so beautiful, and wonderful with people, we are lucky to have her, and William is one lucky husband who found a life love that has fit perfectly into her role.
ReplyDeleteDear Charlotte, thank you very much for you wonderful post. I really appreciate your work. I have one question, today should start the visit of the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway to Britain. Do you have any information about the involvment of the Prince and Princess of Wales? Thank you so much. E.J.
ReplyDeleteHello E.J., it looks very much like we'll see a joint meeting tomorrow :)
DeleteI LOVE her hair! So beautifull
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful event and great job of highlighting these causes. Catherine looks amazing as usual. I refuse to try find fault in anything she wears as it’s more important to concentrate of the event and her beautiful smile and amazing caring personality.
ReplyDeleteA couple of people have complained that the Princess's sweater doesn't match the coat. I don't think that's necessary. It's fine to wear colors belonging to the same color family together; an exact match isn't really required. Most of us, in any case, don't have the budget to buy coats to match our sweaters and so forth exactly, and you can see much-admired fashionistas wearing similar but not precisely matching shades to good effect. On the Princess, an exact match could have looked a little too studied in the context of engagements like these, which really called for a more relaxed and casual look of the sort anyone could achieve.
ReplyDeleteI agree Vittoria, a perfect match isn't necessary, it still has the same effect of tone on tone.
DeleteI agree it's not necessary. I remember a number of occasions when Kate wore the same shade of green/blue/red and some readers criticised her for going "matchy-matchy". :) Zora from Prague
DeleteThey carried out some great engagements today. They both look very smart. The Princess looked beautiful head to toe. I really like this outfit on her. The coat is very well cut, great fit. Congratulations to Air Ambulance on their new patron. Charlotte, if the Princess is going through jewels with the Coronation in mind. I really hope that it's in the vault under Buckingham palace. Has it been confirmed where they are staying in Wales? S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteThat skirt is fantastic. I'm usually not a skirt girl but that one is divine. Absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYes, the skirt is just gorgeous! Zora from Prague
DeleteKate is amazing! Aside from looking fantastic, only she could ride a spin bike in a skirt and still look beautiful and stay smiling the whole time. If that were me, I would be red faced and out of breath.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful ensemble. The skirt is gorgeous, coupled with the sweater, coat and boots stunning. Love the handbag. This was a splendid visit by the royal couple. It involved a diverse range of people and was of substance, well done to them.
ReplyDeleteI find that every year, I look forward to March outings for Kate. She typically does outdoorsy activities and those are my favorite. My very favorite event all year is handing out the shamrocks and seeing the Irish Wolf Hound. I really look forward to that and it's right around the corner!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am loving this look! Beautiful coat, skirt, boots, purse, turtleneck and nice touch with the gloves 👍🏻 definably i cannot cycling with that skirt and boots lovely to see the Princess f wales
ReplyDeleteThis is a great look for the princess: I like the black and white graphic effect and the beautiful coat balances the swingy skirt. She looks elegant and fresh. The royals appear to be having fun and doing good this day. Gardens are so good for the soul and classically English. What a nice idea to support.
ReplyDeleteKaren in Virginia