Catherine shares first Welsh message for St. David's Day as William visits Powys ahead of st. david's day
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has delivered a video message entirely in Welsh to mark st. david's day. The video, recorded earlier this week on the Windsor estate and published by Kensington Palace, shows the prince and princess reflecting on Wales ahead of the national celebrations.
Video message in Welsh
The video, posted on Sunday, opens with William saying: "To everyone in Wales, a very happy St David's Day, " standing alongside Kate. Catherine told viewers "Wales is very close to our hearts, and we look forward to every visit. " William added: "It is a beautiful country, with a rich history and wonderful people. " Kate finished the recorded message by saying: "Wishing you a day full of celebration with family and friends. "
Visits in Powys and mid Wales
Earlier this week the royal couple paid a visit to Powys, travelling first to The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes, a community project focused on resilience and creativity, before going on to visit an art gallery in Newtown. The pair arrived to cheers from crowds waving Welsh flags and holding bunches of daffodils, the national flower of Wales, and later ordered hot drinks at the Llanidloes cafe.
Kate on mothers' mental health
Catherine used the rainy mid Wales visit to speak about her passion for mothers' mental health. In Newtown, Powys, she met members of Mums Matter, a perinatal service for women experiencing mental health problems linked to early motherhood. The visit to the service and other stops in mid Wales took place on a rainy Wednesday this week.
Volunteer reaction and personal stories
Ella Hopkins, 25, who began volunteering with Mums Matter after fleeing domestic violence with her 10-month-old son Marcus, described Catherine as "absolutely incredible. " Hopkins said: "She got really invested, she was asking lots of questions, you could tell she thought it was an important thing to be focusing on. " Hopkins added: "She definitely said that it's something that she said felt passionate about, parents being able to be committed and devoted through their own stability. "
Community engagements and crowds
The couple visited a forge, met nursery children aged three and four who were waiting with signs they had drawn, and watched Ollie Jones, 21, make a hook before seeing schoolchildren perform Welsh songs in the centre's performing arts space. They went on to producers in the adjoining market, where William sampled a glass of cider, and then into a kitchen where traditional cawl and Welsh cakes were being made ahead of St David's Day on Sunday.
Wet weather and extended greetings
Despite the wet weather, the royal couple spent 25 minutes in heavy rain speaking to well-wishers, with Catherine giving high-fives and hugs and William posing for selfies. After initially getting into their vehicle and being driven for a short period, William and Catherine stepped out again to meet cheering crowds, including children who handed them bunches of flowers and pictures they had drawn. The prince and princess were both wearing daffodils on their lapels.
Light moments and local touches
William spotted a group of children holding up a scarf for Aston Villa, the football club he has supported since his school days, and told them: "That's a great way to get my attention. " Outside, Catherine spoke to members of the public about the children's performance at Llanidloes school, saying: "It was so lovely to meet the children singing inside - they were incredible. " While in the kitchen at the market she described places like The Hanging Gardens as "a lifeline to so many people in the community. "
