St David's Day In Welsh: Catherine Delivers First Full Welsh Message as Royals Visit Powys

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has for the first time delivered a video message entirely in Welsh to mark St David's Day in Welsh, a move that underlines the royal couple's public engagement with Wales as communities prepare for national celebrations on 1 March. The short video, published by their office, features both Catherine and Prince William speaking in Welsh and was recorded earlier this week on the Windsor estate.

St David's Day In Welsh: the video, the words and why it matters

The video includes a direct greeting from William — "To everyone in Wales, a very happy St David's Day" — followed by Catherine saying Wales was "very close to our hearts. " William praises the nation as "a beautiful country, with a rich history and wonderful people, " and Catherine closes by wishing people "a day full of celebration with family and friends. " The clip was published by the couple's office and recorded earlier this week on the Windsor estate.

Royal visit to Powys: crowds, daffodils and rainy weather

The couple paid a visit earlier this week to Powys, where they were greeted by cheering crowds holding bunches of daffodils, the national flower of Wales. They arrived to people waving Welsh flags, sipping hot drinks, and preparing traditional food and decorations for the festivities. The visit continued despite wet weather; the royal couple later braved the rain for around 25 minutes to speak to well-wishers and pose for selfies.

Community stops: Llanidloes and Newtown engagements

During the mid Wales visit on a rainy Wednesday, the pair first travelled to The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes, a community project described as focused on resilience and creativity. From there they went on to visit an art gallery in Newtown. At one stop Catherine spoke about her passion for mothers' mental health while meeting members of a perinatal service for women experiencing problems linked to early motherhood.

Public preparations and events across Wales and beyond

Events including parades and concerts will be held in villages and towns across Wales to celebrate St David's Day on Sunday. In addition to local concerts, an educational talk and further concerts will be held in the West Midlands to mark the day. Crowds met the royal visitors while making signs, baking cakes and preparing traditional stew in anticipation of the annual celebrations.

What St David's Day commemorates

St David's Day is the national day of Wales, observed every year on 1 March. Little is known about the saint; legend holds that he was born on a clifftop in Pembrokeshire during a violent storm after angels foretold his birth to St Patrick 30 years prior. Some believe he lived for 100 years and died on 1 March 589, which is recognised as the Feast of St David. These strands of history and legend inform many of the day's concerts, talks and local pageantry.

Looking ahead: continuity and local celebration

The timing of the video and the on-the-ground visit highlights the couple's interaction with Welsh communities in the days leading up to 1 March. William had delivered his first message in Welsh on St David's Day last year; this year's video marks the first time Catherine has delivered a message entirely in Welsh. Communities across Wales and nearby regions are expected to proceed with planned parades, concerts and educational events connected to the national day.