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Royal couple marks St David's Day with Welsh-language tribute
The Princess of Wales has recorded her first-ever video message entirely in Welsh to celebrate St David's Day, joining Prince William in honoring Wales' patron saint. The couple shared warm words about the nation's heritage and people in a clip released by Kensington Palace on Sunday.
Message highlights Wales' cultural significance
In the video, Prince William opened with a Welsh greeting: "To everyone in Wales, a very happy St David's Day." Standing beside Catherine, he described Wales as "a beautiful country, with a rich history and wonderful people."
The Princess of Wales echoed his sentiments, saying, "Wales is very close to our hearts, and we look forward to every visit." She concluded the message with a wish for "a day full of celebration with family and friends."
The footage was filmed earlier in the week on the Windsor estate.
Royal visit to Powys amid St David's Day preparations
Earlier this week, the couple traveled to Powys, where they were greeted by crowds waving daffodils-Wales' national flower-and Welsh flags. Their itinerary included stops at The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes, a community project promoting resilience, and an art gallery in Newtown.
Despite rainy weather, William and Catherine spent 25 minutes engaging with well-wishers, sipping hot drinks, and chatting with locals preparing for the festivities. The Princess also discussed her advocacy for maternal mental health during a visit to a perinatal service supporting new mothers.
St David's Day traditions and history
Wales celebrates its patron saint annually on 1 March with parades, concerts, and cultural events. Little is known about St David, though legend claims he was born on a Pembrokeshire clifftop during a storm, with his birth foretold by St Patrick decades earlier.
Some accounts suggest he lived to 100 and died on 1 March 589, a date now observed as the Feast of St David. Last year marked Prince William's first St David's Day message delivered in Welsh.
