The Princess of Wales marked a special milestone this year as she celebrated St. David’s Day alongside Prince William with a heartfelt video message.
A Royal First
On March 1, Kate Middleton, 44, spoke Welsh publicly for the first time in a clip shared on Instagram. Standing beside William, she wished the nation a happy St. David’s Day, saying: “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 concluded the message by wishing families and friends a joyful day of celebration.
The caption, translated from Welsh, read: “Happy Dewi Festival Day! .” It marked the couple’s first joint public use of the Welsh language, underscoring their commitment to Wales.
Celebrating St. David’s Day
St. David’s Day is celebrated annually on March 1 to honor the patron saint of Wales. The holiday is marked with parades, concerts, and cultural events across the country.
Kate and William’s message came just days after their visit to Powys, where they greeted well-wishers during a walkabout. During the outing, Kate was asked for her autograph but politely declined, explaining that royal protocol prohibits signatures due to the risk of forgery. Instead, she offered a handshake and a hug, delighting the crowd.
A Symbolic Gesture
The Princess’s use of Welsh was seen as a symbolic gesture of respect and connection to the nation. As the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate have made efforts to strengthen ties with Welsh communities, often highlighting the country’s culture and traditions during their visits.
Public Reaction
Royal fans praised the couple’s message, with many noting Kate’s effort to speak Welsh for the first time. The video was widely shared across social media, reinforcing the couple’s popularity and their dedication to representing Wales on the national stage.
