Prince William, the Prince of Wales, made headlines on March 1, 2025, by delivering his first message entirely in Welsh to commemorate St. David's Day, the national day of celebration for Wales. This heartfelt gesture marks not only his growing commitment to embracing Welsh culture but also continues the royal family's long-standing ties to the region.
Using social media to spread his message, Prince William stated, “Hello. Today, on St David's Day, we come together to celebrate Wales – its history, its culture, and its incredible people. From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire. Today, we will celebrate everything magical about Wales. To the people of Wales and everybody around the world, Happy St David's Day.” These words reflect his deep appreciation for the area and its heritage.
William's message followed closely after he and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, visited Wales just days prior. On February 26, the couple took part in community activities around Pontypridd, where they engaged with locals and learned to make Welsh cakes at The Welsh Cake Shop. Their approachable demeanor won the hearts of the residents, with shop owner Theresa Conner recalling their visit as “a dream come true.”
The couple’s trip to Wales coincided with their effort to bring attention to issues faced by the locals, particularly following the severe storms impacting the town. During their visit, they spoke with residents affected by the storms, contributing to community resilience and support.
While Prince William is not formally learning Welsh through traditional classes, it is understood he has been dedicated to learning conversational Welsh, reportedly using the language-learning app Duolingo. This initiative demonstrates his desire to connect with Welsh citizens on a personal level. He has been known to greet individuals with basic Welsh phrases during previous visits but speaking publicly and entirely in Welsh is unprecedented for him.
This commitment follows the legacy of his father, King Charles III, who underwent formal lessons in Welsh before his investiture as Prince of Wales back in 1969. Charles formed a friendship with his tutor, Tedi Millward, and the Welsh language has remained important to the royal family’s identity.
William and Catherine have developed strong connections to Wales over the years, having lived on Anglesey during the early years of their marriage. They were conferred the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales following Queen Elizabeth II's passing and King Charles III's ascension to the throne. The couple’s latest visit and the St. David’s Day message signal their dedication to fostering ties with the Welsh people.
On the significance of his new role, William expressed gratitude and recognition of Wales's importance to both him and Catherine. Following their recent engagements, he stated, “The Prince acknowledged his and the Princess’s deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey, including during the earliest months of Prince George’s life.” This sentiment underlines the royal couple’s personal stake and connection with the community they have served.
This public acknowledgement of Welsh culture and engagement from the Prince and Princess is seen as not just ceremonial, but part of their broader commitment to represent and serve the interests of the people of Wales. Their aim is to deepen the relationship with communities across the nation.
Overall, the message and recent public engagements embody the essence of William’s dedication to Wales, promising to champion its history, culture, and the spirit of its people. The royal couple's connection with Wales is likely to be fortified through such initiatives, highlighting their role as modern advocates for the nation’s heritage.