With just over a week to go until the Coronation, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Wales for a two-day visit.
At the beginning of the year, the broadsheets reported we wouldn't see a pre-coronation tour for William and Kate due to a desire to cement ties with Wales. At this point in their lives as working members of the Royal family, focusing on both Wales and Cornwall is essential, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a Cornish trip coming up. William and Kate are of course the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and responsibility includes all the Duchy entails. I've been very much hoping to see a three-pronged approach to both: replicating the Wales and Cornwall weeks which were incredibly successful for the King and Queen; several patronages and other similar roles embedded in the communities; and finally, gradually and privately introducing George to Wales in the years to come. I do hope William and Kate plan to utilize their charming Welsh residence Llwynywermod over the summer.
Last September, the couple made their first official visit to Wales as the Prince and Princess of Wales. In very fitting fashion, it took them back to Anglesey, a place where they enjoyed almost complete privacy in the early years of their marriage. On the day, Kensington Palace said: "The Prince and Princess have a deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey, and have thoroughly enjoyed previous visits and the warmth and kindness shown by the Welsh people. Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to spending more time in Wales over the coming months and years, taking the time to strengthen their relationship with communities in all parts of Wales." The Princess donned the striking LK Bennett Spencer coat (it remains in stock here) in an on-point 'Welsh red', a Boden sweater, Roland Mouret trousers, Grace Han handbag and earrings by Welsh brand Spells of Love.
In late February, the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Cardiff's Principality Stadium for the Six Nations rugby showdown between their respective patronages -- Wales and England. Repeating a gorgeous houndstooth Catherine Walker coat, we once again saw the choice of red. The coat was teamed with Aquatalia boots, her Mulberry Amberley bag and Mappin & Webb earrings.
Just a few days later, 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. 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. Afterwards, they visited Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre before stopping by the Wales Air Ambulance charity to meet emergency responders. I loved Kate's look for the varied itinerary. The tailored coat is thought to be an Alexander McQueen piece teamed with a ZARA skirt, Gianvito Rossi boots, a Mulberry handbag and last but certainly not least -- the return of Kate's Heavenly London pearl earrings.
This trip covered the scenic the South Wales Valleys and Mid Wales.
Getting straight into the action, it was time for a spot of abseiling...
William joked, "It's been a while!" when asked by the instructor when he had last abseiled.
Kate appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it.
More from the Mirror:
'Before heading over the edge Kate, who had her hair tied in a ponytail, was heard telling William: "We're not racing."
The heir to the throne led the way over the edge after teasing Kate, saying: "Come on then are we going to abseil or stand around talking."
The next step of the exercise saw William and Kate rescuing a mock patient, pretending they had slipped on the rocks.
Kate radioed in after taking charge of the list. She asked William, "Have you got everything on the list?" And joked, "It's like calling him about the weekly shopping list."
The Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team operate in the Brecon Beacons National Park, covering the highest point in southern Britain as well as the beautiful waterfalls of Ystradfellte, and Cardiff, Caerphilly and Newport.
The royal couple take in the views.
Working in concert with emergency organisations, the group of dedicated volunteers carry out essential life-saving rescue without pay.
This year marks their 60th anniversary. It seems incredibly appropriate for a royal visit to mark the milestone.
The organisation is certainly not short of royal connections including the Prince of Wales. In 2008, William participated in a training exercise with the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team.
In 2016, the King (then Prince of Wales) travelled to Dowlais to see the incredible work young people from the area did in restoring a centre for the rescue team as part of a Prince's Trust programme.
In 2022, the rescue team received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. In a statement, they said: "We are absolutely delighted and immensely proud to have our fifty-nine years of service to the community recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade for any charity. This award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of team members, past and present, who have remained on call 24/7, throughout the year — whatever the weather — to help those who are injured or need help in the hills and localities of South Wales. It is recognition too for the families and employers who stand compassionately behind us, as we leave home or work at a moment’s notice to help others. We couldn’t do what we do without their support and understanding."
Time for a group photo.
Afterwards, they had the opportunity to meet members of the public gathered outside.
The rainy weather didn't deter a very enthusiastic crowd who were excited to meet the royals.
Before spending time with volunteers and family members of the rescue team, the couple had an important stop to make.
They arrived at Dowlais Rugby Club armed with a dozen pizzas.
'Peter Morris, owner of the Little Dragon Pizza Van, who served the couple with colleague Shannon Stokes, tells PEOPLE, "The Princess asked if we make our own dough — and said that they love making pizzas with their children," referring to Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 5.
"Making pizza for the future king and queen is surreal," he adds.
The mobile pizza company regularly serves visitors to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
"Prince William said he'd heard of us — which is quite surreal," Morris says. "People come from far and wide — it's the quality of the food and the views!"
Cheers 🍻
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 27, 2023
Thank you for having us for a drink and a chat about life in the community here in Dowlais!
Iechyd da 🍻
Diolch am ein croesawu i rannu diod a chael sgwrs am fywyd yn y gymuned yma yn Nowlais! pic.twitter.com/qEKWH7sL1d
Kate was given a lovely pink flower before heading inside.
Inside, it was time for dinner, conversations and plenty of laughter.
The Dowlais Rugby Club is a much-loved hangout for members of the rescue team and their families.
Time for a high-five.
It looked like a wonderful evening!
The Princess was in sporting attire.
Kate wore the £600 Kongur MRT Women's Jacket (with thanks to Middleton Maven).
Kate wore a new pair of G-Star cargo skinny pants.
Kate wore her Barbour x Alexa Chung Edith Jacket. Described as: "Made in England from glossy waxed-cotton, this 'Edith' jacket is detailed with all the signature details including multiple pockets, a soft corduroy collar and classic checked lining."
Underneath, the Princess wore Holland Cooper's Astoria Roll Neck jumper.
And her Berghaus Supalite II boots (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style). They remain available at Berghaus on sale for £122.
Kate's earrings are the £8 Accessorize Pearl and Disc earrings.
Kate's cap is a sold out, past season ASOS piece.
I'll see you tomorrow for day two. The engagement is currently under embargo.
I cannot believe how fit she is.Naturally beautiful ! She is up to anything!
ReplyDeleteLove their outfits. Great photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see them working hard today on behalf of The King. It looks like they had a great day out and got a fantastic reception. I had to laugh at them buying the pizzas. Prince Charming left his Princess carry most of the box's. 😂. Charlotte I'm looking forward to your update, I have been keeping a eye out for it. I'm just wondering are you planning on doing any polls on what jewellery or dress the Princess will wear or a countdown to the coronation. ? S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful day and both Catherine and William were clearly enjoying. Ali
ReplyDeleteIf there is someone that can put their hair in a ponytail, stick on a cap, add an appropriate outdoor jacket, skinny jeans and rugged boots and can look as great as Kate... well, I can't think of a name. It does help to be tall, fit, pretty and engaged.
ReplyDeleteI like that Kate carried 7 pizza boxes to William toting 5. GA
Well said Anon 21:27! She's not just a pretty face, she can muck right in with the best of them & keep up...... & carry more pizza boxes!! :) lol xoxo
DeleteI’m lucky enough to live in the heart of the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog and it’s great to see Kate & William highlighting the incredible work of the Mountain Rescue team who are true heroes. Hope to see more of our Prince & Princess and their family in Wales as the years go by. Annie, Wales
ReplyDeleteI also love how William actually used to work in the Wales Rescue Business! :)
DeleteI love the Barbour jacket. Not too long ago, I had my father's old Barbour jacket repaired and rewaxed as a gift for my brother. Now I'm thinking I should buy myself one!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's a great sweater the Princess wore with it. I like the cargo skinnies, too, though I've never loved skinny pants and jeans. I own a couple of pairs, because they work well with flats and with sturdy low-heeled boots like the Princess's, but I'm never sure I look any good in them. However, the jacket, sweater, cargo pants and boots together make a terrific casual outfit on the Princess!
How very kind and thoughtful of you to do that for your Brother. I'm sure he wears it with pride. You should treat yourself, I think you deserve it. I'm wearing Barbour now, it's a fantastic brand and very good quality. S.🙂.
DeleteThey both look great! Such cool pictures with the gray weather and bright red coats. Looking forward to seeing what they do tomorrow. Thanks Charlotte Sue from IL
ReplyDeleteCredit where it's due, I think they've done a great job of fitting in plenty of Wales visits since September. And in a way that doesn't seem forced, instead building on existing links and interests. That was quite a sensitive task, introducing new Wales royals and I remember reading some more critical pieces in the early days (not personal to W & C but just making it clear they didn't want a new generation of Prince and Princess of Wales). But it feels like some of that sentiment has already dissipated to some extent (although I'm sure we'll see lots of anti-royal protests over the coronation weekend especiallyin London). I like everything they did today and Kate always looks amazing in casual and sports clothes.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The Royal couple have very happy memories from living in Wales and started married life there. It's a beautiful country. I think they will continue their work in Wales and the Welch people will appreciate that. I don't expect to see much protester's next weekend. I honestly think it's a bit of joke. The footage from the other day where around 20 people are chanting not our King is very funny. They were drowned out by small kids chanting your our King. 😂. They have made sinister threats to spook horses on the day. Not a good idea with armed police everywhere. If there's a risk to life they will respond. I'll never forget the then Prince of Wales getting caught up a protest. I was watching it live and I thought someone would be shot to protect the Prince. From what I am reading and watching there is great support for the new King and Queen. The British public will come out to show that support as well as all the people flying in from all over the world. A week to go. I can't wait. S.🙂.
DeleteHi Anon 01.08. Thank you for replying to my comment. I agree that it's only a vocal minority that are actively protesting the new monarch but there was a bit of a 'to do' at the BBC about whether or not the national broadcaster was including enough balance to their coverage (e.g. including that protesters have been present at many engagements where Charles and Camilla go). I found that quite amusing because the BBC has almost no royal news (only the big stuff really). They certainly don't cover every appearance like Charlotte does so it's know like the BBC is forever gushing about how wonderful the royals are. I think the general sentiment from the British is mostly indifference. There's always negativity ahead of things like jubilees but then people tend to become more enthusiastic when they actually happen (the additional bank holiday always helps!). I'm very much looking forward to seeing the coronation.
Deleteoh i love them they are both competitive great seeing them working together and make the king and queen proud
ReplyDeleteThe Prince and Princess make being outdoors in colder weather look like fun ! I’m very impressed with the 60 years of volunteer service for the Central Beacon Mountain Rescue Team. Most volunteer groups fade away when the founder does. Wales looks like a beautiful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteSo true! Cold weather, rain, abseiling...not my dream holiday but they make it attractive! Great publicity for Wales.
DeleteIts excellent to see them so active and participating in the activities.
ReplyDeleteThey seem so comfortable around each other. I love Kate in casual attire. What a charming atmosphere radiating from the pictures, almost autumn-ish though. I wish these away days were more frequent, solely for the purpose of heartwarming entertainment that they bring to me. Ella
ReplyDeleteThey call it repelling in America. ;-) DWLee333 in Oregon.
ReplyDeleteOops. Rapelling.
ReplyDeleteThat's OK. You gave me my giggle for the day. For those of us who don't love heights, "repelling" makes more sense anyway.
DeleteI like seeing Kate in these casual looks it gives me inspiration as my only usual attire is casual and as we are now well into autumn here in Australia it’s something id wear now. Beautiful scenery in Wales and great to see them do the abseiling! Sue in WA
ReplyDelete