Princess of Wales Shines in First Welsh Visit Since Recovery as Royal Couple Roll Up Their Sleeves in Flood-Hit Pontypridd
The Princess of Wales showcased her returning vitality during a heartwarming visit to Wales alongside Prince William yesterday, marking their first joint appearance in the principality since Her Royal Highness completed cancer treatment last summer.
Arriving in Pontypridd to commemorate the upcoming St. David's Day celebrations, the royal couple delighted locals with their hands-on approach, even trying their hand at making traditional Welsh cakes – a skill Prince William humorously attributed to none other than baking queen Mary Berry.
"Well I don't know, my stunning baker skills, Mary Berry taught me everything I need to know," the Prince remarked with flour visibly dusting the sleeve of his maroon jumper. The royal couple's culinary efforts received high praise from Madison Conner, daughter of The Welsh Cake Shop's owner, who declared their creations "perfect" and "bangin'."
Catherine, resplendent in a vibrant red coat adorned with a striking yellow daffodil brooch, has been gradually increasing her public engagements since announcing she had completed chemotherapy. Royal watchers noted her radiant smile and energetic engagement with well-wishers, many of whom had braved inclement weather for hours to catch a glimpse of the couple.
Beyond the festive cake-making, the visit carried a deeper purpose as the Prince and Princess heard firsthand accounts from residents affected by devastating floods when the River Taff burst its banks during Storm Bert in November and the subsequent Storm Darragh. The royal couple showed particular interest in how the community has rallied following these disasters, which came just years after similar devastation from Storm Dennis in 2020.
In a touching private moment, Their Royal Highnesses visited the home of local butcher Kevin Kidner, who runs his business from the town's market and experienced flooding three-feet deep. "They asked plenty of questions and were obviously concerned," Mr. Kidner shared afterwards. "I think if they can push other people to help us it would be great."
The Prince made a notable commitment during discussions with café owner Enrico Orsi, who revealed: "William was very empathetic to how it must be for us, juggling the stress of, essentially what is climate change, and the uncertainty of what can happen in the winter here. And he said he is going to look into it for us."
Such promises of advocacy align with the couple's increasing focus on climate resilience and community support through their Royal Foundation work.
The Princess's connection with young well-wishers was particularly evident when young Harrison presented her with a sunflower. In a charming exchange, Catherine asked him how to grow them, to which he responded with endearing simplicity: "you plant them."
The visit, although delayed by almost an hour due to train disruptions, was met with extraordinary enthusiasm from hundreds of supporters who lined the streets, many spontaneously bursting into the Welsh hymn "Calon Lân" while waiting.
Prince William also delighted long-time royal followers by reminiscing about his previous visits to Pontypridd, including one approximately 40 years ago when he was very young, and another from about 20 years ago.
For local residents like Lisa Maunder, 46, who waited hours with her children Darcy, 10, and Quade, 8, the royal visit represented hope for the struggling town. "It lifts the spirits of everyone," she observed. "[Pontypridd] is a bit of a dying town so I think it's a nice thing to have people come here, spend money and look after all the businesses."
The visit forms part of the couple's ongoing commitment to their Welsh title, with sources close to the royal household suggesting we can expect increased engagements in the principality throughout 2025 as Catherine's health continues to strengthen.
