The Prince of Wales has made headlines by delivering his first message entirely in Welsh, celebrating the vibrant culture and rich history of Wales on St David's Day, March 1. This historic address, pre-recorded as part of his commitment to engage with Welsh people, not only marks the patron saint's day but also serves to highlight the incredible beauty and spirit of Wales.
"Hello. Today, on St David's Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people," said Prince William during the video message. He continued, "From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will be celebrating everything magical about Wales. To the people of Wales and everybody around the world, Happy St David's Day," as reported by multiple outlets.
This heartfelt message follows the Prince’s recent visit to Pontypridd with his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, marking their first joint engagement since her cancer treatment. The couple visited the town on February 26, where they connected with the public and emphasized the importance of community support
During this visit, Catherine praised William for his role as a supportive partner, stating at Pontypridd Market, "He’s been amazing. We’ve felt the support from everyone, so it’s meant a lot." Her heartfelt recognition of her husband's support has garnered attention and admiration from royal watchers.
While Prince William is not taking formal lessons, it is understood he has been learning some conversational Welsh. His efforts to engage with the language have been welcomed by the Welsh community, though details about his learning process, including who is teaching him or if he is attending classes, remain unclear. Nonetheless, this aspect reflects the royal family's commitment to embracing Welsh culture and identity.
Unlike his father, King Charles, who took formal Welsh lessons from April to June 1969 at Aberystwyth University before his investiture, William's approach seems to lean more toward informal learning. King Charles’s tutor was Tedi Millward, with whom he developed a strong friendship during this time.
Prince William was made the Prince of Wales by his father after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, marking the beginning of his own connection to the title and its responsibilities. Since then, he has been seen taking small steps to engage with Wales and its people, including greeting locals with phrases in Welsh during his public appearances.
Beyond the royal family, public celebrations were held across Wales to honor St David's. First Minister Eluned Morgan led festivities at the annual Dragon Parade held in St David's, Pembrokeshire, which brings together communities to celebrate Welsh heritage. The parade included local school children and care community members donning costumes of dragons and daffodils, showcasing their spirit and pride.
The Dragon Parade, organized by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is just one of many events marking the patron saint's day, which reflects the strong cultural identity and sense of community present across Wales. Local enthusiasm is palpable as people gather to take part, celebrating not just their patron saint but what it means to be Welsh.
Prince William’s engagement with Welsh culture through his recent activities and message highlights the royal family's continued efforts to connect with different parts of the United Kingdom, particularly Wales, where his efforts are clearly appreciated.
Overall, this St David's Day signifies more than just traditional celebrations; it demonstrates the royal family's dedication to acknowledging and participating in the cultural richness of Wales. The people's response to William’s Welsh messages is likely to encourage more such interactions and support for Welsh language and culture.
William’s ability to speak Welsh, even if just for short greetings until now, resonates positively with the public, and his full message on St David's Day marks a notable step forward. His gentle humor and lighthearted interactions within the community help endear him to locals, showing the royal family can blend tradition with modern engagement.
With Prince William continuing to establish himself within his role, his efforts on St David's Day are sure to resonate as positive steps toward strengthening ties with Wales, cultivating goodwill, and nurturing the identity of this vibrant nation.