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Kate Middleton and Prince William Visit Wales Ahead of a Special Feast Day for the Country

The Prince and Princess of Wales headed to their namesake country for a series of events celebrating initiatives close to their heart

royal visit st davids today

Stephanie Petit is a Royals Editor, Writer and Reporter at PEOPLE.

royal visit st davids today

Kate Middleton and Prince William are gearing up for their first St. David's Day as the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The royal couple visited South Wales on Tuesday ahead of the country's national day on Wednesday: the feast day for St. David, Wales' patron saint. It comes just a few days after they traveled to the Welsh capital of Cardiff for a sporting rivalry, watching the Wales vs. England Six Nations rugby match (Princess Kate, 41, took over as patron of the Rugby Football Union in early 2022 while Prince William , 40, has been patron of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2016).

Their first stop of the day was to the Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre, where the Prince and Princess of Wales saw a special initiative that will help create an outdoor space for growing vegetables and encourage better mental health in those struggling with the effects of drug and alcohol addiction. Their Royal Foundation is supporting social enterprise Life at No. 27 to help the organization scale up its plan for therapy gardens that aid well-being.

The new garden will include a collection of allotments for people to have their own space to learn and grow their own produce. It will sit alongside a communal sensory and herbal garden, a mud kitchen and an interactive learning space.

"Exciting news! In our second Community Impact Day we're launching a collaboration between The Royal Foundation and Life at No. 27, creating allotments and therapy gardens to support mental health and wellbeing in communities across South Wales," the couple's staff wrote — in both English and Welsh — on their Instagram page upon their arrival on Tuesday.

Annabelle Padwick, founder of Life at No. 27 , said in a statement , "I have seen first-hand how working with therapy gardens can dramatically improve self-belief and your own mental health."

"Our unique therapy allotments and gardens are vital as they offer a safe environment for those experiencing mental ill health, to process and explore difficult experiences with trained therapists whilst at the same time learning new skills," she added. "We are also able to offer children and adults therapeutic opportunities to grow in confidence, resilience and self-belief, whilst experiencing positive human connection, contact with nature, sensory play and restorative conversation."

Amanda Berry, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Foundation, said in a statement , "Their Royal Highnesses are passionate about creating a lasting impact in the communities they visit, playing an instrumental role in bringing together local stakeholders to amplify the work of organizations and ensure support reaches those who need it most."

She added the couple "continue to prioritize our society's mental health and spending time in nature is known to have a range of benefits, including reducing depression and anxiety. "

Prince William and Kate then traveled to Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre to hear about the importance of sport and exercise in boosting mental health. The center opened in 2016 and includes a large indoor sports hall, where William and Kate spent time with young people and Welsh professional athletes, including paralympic discus thrower Harrison Walsh and sprinter Hannah Brier.

Despite wearing a skirt and heeled boots, Kate hopped on a stationary bike beside Prince William at the fitness center for a spin challenge. The couple are known to get competitive during royal engagements, whether they're facing off while making cocktails , sailing in a charity race or playing ping-pong .

Afterward, the royal couple spent time meeting members of the public gathered outside.

Prince William and Princess Kate had their last engagement of the day at the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance. They met with emergency workers, volunteers and supporters to hear about their recent operations across Wales.

And in an exciting announcement, Prince William became Royal Patron of the Wales Air Ambulance charity. The Prince of Wales previously served as both an Air Ambulance and an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

"Delighted to become Patron of his wonderful charity today!" the royal couple's team posted on Twitter along with a photo of the pair posing in front of a helicopter with representatives of the organization.

On Wednesday, Prince William and Princess Kate will attend the annual St. David's Day parade in Windsor. It will be the first time that William has visited the Welsh Guards since becoming honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards , fitting with his new title of the Prince of Wales. King Charles III first announced the new title for his eldest son and heir in December.

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William and Kate were made Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles just one day after the Queen died "peacefully" at Balmoral in Scotland on Sept. 8. They went to Wales as soon as was practically possible after receiving the new titles — just a day after royal mourning period ended.

A royal source told PEOPLE the couple is focused on "deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time."

"The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they've approached their work previously," the source added.

The source said of Kate, "The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path."

But Kate and Prince William already had a special connection to Wales — in fact, it's where they lived as newlyweds and first-time parents !

Prince and Princess of Wales visit St Davids to commemorate year anniversary of the Queen's death

  • Prince of Wales
  • Princess of Wales
  • Friday 8 September 2023 at 7:51pm

royal visit st davids today

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited west Wales on Friday to commemorate the life of the Late Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death .

Their Royal Highnesses joined a short private service in St Davids which will include a commemoration of Her Late Majesty’s life.

They meet with members of the local community who met the Late Queen.

The city's cathedral is particularly significant to the royal family. Since the 16th century, the UK monarch has had their own designated seat in the cathedral.

Her Late Majesty sat there on four occasions during her visits to St Davids .

William and Kate shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning, paying personal tribute to the late Queen.

It read: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C”

It was accompanied by a photo of the late monarch surrounded by her great-grandchildren including Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and her two youngest grandchildren.

The Waleses were also pictured on the Buckingham Palace balcony with the late Queen and the now-King during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with another image of the Queen dressed in a vibrant blue coat and hat.

The Prince and Princess of Wales then visited the nearby Câr-Y-Môr Seaweed Farm.

The seaweed farm describes itself as "Wales’ first regenerative seaweed and shellfish farm."

They met staff and volunteers to hear about the impact the farm’s work is having, before taking a boat out to the farm to see the seaweed growing.

The Prince and Princess of Wales then finished their tour with a visit to the RNLI Lifeboat Station at St Davids.

They met crew, volunteers and members of the public who have been helped by the local unit.

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Patron of the RNLI from 1952 until her death last year.

This was the couple's third visit to Wales since taking up their titles.

They visited Bannau Brycheiniog and Aberfan in April, earlier this year.

The royal couple have spoken about wanting to use their position to advocate for the people of Wales and showcase the country to the world.

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William and Kate to mark first anniversary of Queen's death with visit to Pembrokeshire

They will visit St David's Cathedral in St Davids, which the Queen herself had strong ties to

  • 10:12, 8 SEP 2023

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The Prince and Princess of Wales will mark the first anniversary of the Queen's death with a visit to Pembrokeshire on Friday, September 8. William and Kate will attend a small private service St Davids Cathedral in St Davids, the smallest city in Britain.

The service will include a commemoration of the life of the the nation's longest-reigning monarch, who died exactly a year ago today of old age at 96 after 70 years on the throne. The late Queen herself had ties to St Davids and visited its cathedral, which dates back to 1181 and has around 300,000 visitors, at least four times during her reign.

After the service, the couple will meet members of the local community in the adjacent cloister - including local people Elizabeth II met herself when she visited. Her first visit in August 1955 after her coronation during a royal tour to Wales with her husband, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Read more: Boys go to school in skirts and PE kits as schools face backlash over uniform policies in the heat

It marked a significant moment as she had been the first monarch to visit St Davids Cathedral since the Reformation. St Davids has been a recognised as a site of pilgrimage and worship for more than 1,400 years, since St David - the patron saint of Wales - settled there with his monastic community in the sixth century. In 1995 the late queen elevated the region's status from a town to city during a ceremony at the cathedral.

Earlier this week, King Charles released a picture of his mother to commemorate the anniversary of her death. The King and Queen will commemorate the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II with private prayers and a moment of reflection on the first anniversary of her death.

Charles and Camilla, who are staying at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, will attend nearby Crathie Kirk for the poignant event at the church where the late Queen worshipped

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royal visit st davids today

Live: Prince William in Wrexham for St David's Day Royal visit

The Prince of Wales visited the Turf pub, a favourite watering hole for Wrexham fans, where he met with one of the club's Hollywood owners

  • Updated 17:02, 1 MAR 2024

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Chairman of Wrexham AFC Rob McElhenney share a drink at The Turf Pub, near Wrexham AFC as he marks St. David's Day

Prince William was in Wrexham today for a Royal St David's Day visit, to celebrate Welsh culture and the city’s vibrant community spirit. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is first visiting the historic Turf pub, at the famous Racecourse Ground - home to Wrexham AFC, to hear about the positive impact the venue and the club has had on the local community.

He was due to meet staff, members of the local community and representatives of charitable organisations to hear about how it plays a key role as a hub for the local area, and the support it provides to local causes. The Prince was also going to visit the pitch at the stadium to hear about the club’s redevelopment and historic rise over the past three years since the takeover by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds and meet with staff and players.

Following this, The Prince was scheduled to visit Ysgol Yr Holl Saint/All Saint’s School to see how the school was celebrating St David’s Day and to hear about how its teaching its pupils, about local Welsh history and cultural traditions. The Prince and Rob McElhenney down shots and drink pints. You can read that story here

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Then in the final engagement, the Prince was due to visit the memorial of the Gresford Mining Disaster, one of the most serious disasters in British coal mining history, to recognise those who lost their lives ninety years ago. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the tragic event which saw 266 men die following an explosion in the Gresford Colliery.

The Prince will meet relatives of those who were killed in the disaster and hear from committee members, who have been key in setting up the memorial and preserving the history of the Colliery.

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Poignant visit

royal visit st davids today

Prince William pulled a pint or two and downed a shot during a memorable visit to The Turf in Wrexham today.

For more details click here.

Wrexham Miners Project delighted by Prince's visit

The Wrexham Miners Project were also delighted by the visit of The Prince of Wales. Jodie Blackburn of the project said:

We are very grateful to the Prince for shining a light on the Memorial.

'It will stay with me forever'

Ruby McBurney - a duaghter of the one of the Gresford Mining disaster victims - met Prince William at the Memorial. She said:

It was a really nice surprise. My daughter kept it a secret, as she had to. He was lovely, it was so nice to meet him - it was worth getting cold for It will stay with me forever

royal visit st davids today

There has also been an impressive St David's Day parade through Wrexham today.

School visit

royal visit st davids today

Wrexham AFC are 'every fan's second club'

royal visit st davids today

Looking back to The Prince of Wales' visit to Wrexham AFC earlier, he declared Wrexham are every football fan’s second club as he downed a shot and pulled a pint in the supporters’ home bar - and joked it needed time to settle.

William quizzed fans about their fairytale ride with Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who bought Wrexham AFC and revived the club’s fortunes.

The future King met McElhenney and regulars in the Turf pub, a stone’s throw from Wrexham’s ground, and praised their achievements, which have boosted tourism and last season saw the club promoted to the Football League after a 15-year absence.

He said: “It’s a great success story you’re building here, everything you’ve started and achieved it’s fantastic, so onwards and upwards - it’s exciting.

“And anyone who’s a true football fan wants to see you do well.”

Missing was one of the club’s star owners, Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, who was unable to travel from the US for the royal visit as he is editing the latest instalment of his Deadpool movie series.

McElhenney and tenant landlord Wayne Jones took William behind the bar and he tried to pull a pint of the popular Madri lager. His first effort was all foam and declared “horrendous” by the prince and his second was not much better.

“Still got a horrible head on it, that’s why I don’t work behind the bar. That might settle in about an hour, talk among yourselves,” he quipped.

The Hollywood star suggested his own blended American whiskey brand, Four Walls, and the pair each knocked back a shot.

Emotional meeting

Prince William meets Ruby McBurney daughter of a victim of the Gresford disaster pic.twitter.com/rTkatujYgb — Steve Bagnall (@DPWrexNews) March 1, 2024
Prince William at the Gresford Memorial pic.twitter.com/ocYYuuB5fh — Steve Bagnall (@DPWrexNews) March 1, 2024

Remembering victims 90 years on

Prince William is at the Gresford Memorial pic.twitter.com/CfZLLR9tpn — Steve Bagnall (@DPWrexNews) March 1, 2024

Our reporter Steve Bagnall has posted these photos on X. In Prince William's final engagement of the day he is visiting the memorial of the Gresford mining disaster. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the tragic event which saw 266 men die following an explosion in the Gresford Colliery.

More than 500 men were trapped underground following the explosion in the early hours of the morning, with the number of workers on site much larger than usual as many had doubled their shifts so they could watch a Wrexham football match later that day.

During the visit, The Prince will meet relatives of those who were killed in the disaster and hear from committee members who have been key in setting up the memorial and preserving the history of the Colliery.

Finally, His Royal Highness will meet members from the Wrexham Miners Rescue Station which opened in 1913 to train rescuers on various techniques on how to save miners.

In 1934, many of those who trained at the station helped in the mission to save workers trapped as a result of the Gresford disaster, with three rescue workers losing their lives.

Learning about Bara Brith

After the excitement at Wrexham AFC today the Prince has been visiting Ysgol Yr Holl Saint/All Saint’s School to see how the school is celebrating St David’s Day and hear about how it's teaching its pupils about local Welsh history and cultural traditions.

During the visit His Royal Highness met pupils taking part in activities including Dawnsio Gwerin - traditional Welsh folk dancing - and baking Bara Brith, a Welsh tea bread flavoured with dried fruits and spices.

The Prince was also due to hear how the school is supporting its pupils to take part in innovative, forward-looking projects by meeting those who have made it through to the UK Finals of the Formula 1 in Schools competition.

The competition sees students from across the UK create their own version of an F1 team, with each team member taking on different roles such as designing the car, manufacturing, branding or becoming the Team Principal.

royal visit st davids today

Prince William is, of course, a big Aston Villa fan!

Prince meets Welsh speakers

royal visit st davids today

Hollywood star

royal visit st davids today

Welsh actor Luke Evans wows the crowds in Wrexham. He is of course well-known for his roles in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Beauty and the Beast and Good Grief.

Royal meets club's top brass

royal visit st davids today

Prince William at The Turf

royal visit st davids today

Prince arrives

The Prince of Wales paid a visit to Wrexham on St David’s Day today to celebrate Welsh culture and the city’s vibrant community spirit.

His Royal Highness first travelled to historic Turf pub next to Wrexham AFC to hear about the positive impact the venue and the club has had on the local community. Following this, The Prince will visit a local school to engage with its St. David’s Day celebrations and hear about the work pupils have been carrying out to learn about Welsh history and culture.

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Prince and Princess of Wales visit St Davids Cathedral

royal visit st davids today

The Prince and Princess of Wales visited St Davids Cathedral today to commemorate the life of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death.

They took part in a short service, An Act of Reflection on Accession Day, before laying flowers before an official portrait of the Late Queen.

The Dean of St Davids, Dr Rowland Jones, welcomed the Royal couple and guided them from the Great West Door of the Cathedral, through the nave to the Quire.

In the Quire, the Prince and Princess stopped to see the Sovereign’s Stall, unique in a British Cathedral. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch to have sat in the Sovereign’s Stall, having done so on each of her four visits to St Davids.

Leading the service, Dean Sarah said it was “particularly poignant” to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales on Accession Day, the first anniversary of the death of the Queen.

She said, “Today countless numbers will be remembering her, with both sadness and with great affection; giving thanks again for her long life of dedicated service – as we do here.

“In reflecting on her faithfulness, we reflect also on that greater faithfulness of God to his people: the promise, of which the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the ultimate witness and guarantee, of God's loving desire to work for good, for us and in us and through us; to help us do and be our best, whoever we may be, if we will only let him, trusting ourselves into his hands.

“Pilgrims past and present have sought God's help, as they have come here seeking answers to questions, solutions to problems, healing, or just yearning for refreshment and renewal. Our prayer is that all who come, for whatever reason, may be profoundly touched by being in this place, and find God's answers for their prayers.

Choir.jpeg

“Today, as we reflect, may each of us know God's comfort in our sorrows, his strength for life’s challenges, and his promise of faithful companionship with us, as we travel onwards with him, wherever our pilgrim journey leads.”

The Sub-Dean, Canon Leigh Richardson, read the lessons and the Canon Pastor, Sheridan Angharad James led the prayers. The Cathedral choir sang two anthems: ‘Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts’ with music by Henry Purcell, sung at Her Late Majesty's funeral; and ‘Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the most High’, words taken from Psalm 91:1-2, set to music by the contemporary Welsh composer Meirion Wynn Jones.

After the service, Their Royal Highnesses laid flowers at the official portrait of the late Queen and viewed the restored Shrine of St David and the tomb of Edmund Tudor, father of Henry VII, and direct, Welsh, antecedent of the Royal family.

at portrait.jpeg

They then signed the visitors’ book and saw the Cathedral’s Book of Condolence, in which thousands of people wrote tributes to the Queen following her death. Moving to the cloisters, the Prince and Princess met members of the community with links to Her Late Majesty, and others involved in areas in which the Prince and Princess have a particular interest, including mental health, the environment, early years education and sport.

Book of condolence.jpeg

As they left the Cathedral, the Prince and Princess received posies from children from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, the local 3-16yrs Church in Wales. As the Cathedral bells rang out and the sun shone, the couple greeted the crowd waiting outside and chatted before heading off.

Chatting to crowds1.jpeg

With thanks to Philip Clarke for the photos

Guests who met the Royal couple

royal visit st davids today

  • Jasmine Joyce – GB and Wales rugby player from St Davids
  • Morgan Davies – currently plays rugby for St Davids, previously a junior player, including for Pembrokeshire (also, Canons’ Verger at the cathedral)
  • Christopher Taylor – present for all four visits of Queen; led bid to regain city status, former mayor, also key in rugby links with Lesotho at school level, supported by Prince Seeiso
  • Jeremy Wadia – Erw Dewi/Dewi’s Acre, Cathedral community garden / EcoDewi – environment
  • Dr Sarah Beynon (The Bug Farm) https://www.thebugfarm.co.uk/
  • Archdeacon Eileen Davies – founder of Tir Dewi https://tirdewi.wales
  • Gareth Davies – CEO of Tir Dewi
  • Emma O’Sullivan BEM – founder, DPJ foundation www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk
  • Revd Tom Evans - Maundy money recipient, set up police chaplaincy;
  • Captain Ben Martin, 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy

Guests who met the Princess of Wales

  • Rachel Thomas – Head Teacher, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, (VA 3-16 Church in Wales)
  • Sarah Williams – early years specialist, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi
  • Samantha Wilson-Croft – Business Manager, Shalom House hospice – in St Davids;
  • Glenys James BEM – for extensive voluntary service in and around St Davids, former mayor
  • Patricia Mawuli Porter Hon OBE – first Ghanaian woman pilot, co-owner of Metal Seagulls
  • Paul Evans – Maundy money recipient, former church warden, city treasurer, key member of team arranging Her Late Majesty's visit to grant City status
  • Arwel Davies - longtime Cathedral Chapter Clerk, significant contributor to local community
  • Bethan Thomas Price – County Councillor for St Davids, longtime city councillor, former mayor.

royal visit st davids today

Hundreds line streets of UK's smallest city as Prince William and Kate mark year since Queen's passing

William and Kate visited a cathedral in Wales, one year after the late Queen's death. Queen Elizabeth II had made St Davids a city in 1994.

royal visit st davids today

Wales reporter @TomosGruffydd

Friday 8 September 2023 15:38, UK

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The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to St Davids Cathedral, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, west Wales, where they will commemorate the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II with a small private service, marking the one-year anniversary of her passing. Picture date: Friday September 8, 2023.

Hundreds of pupils lined the streets of the UK's smallest city on Friday for the arrival of some very special visitors.

Some misty skies meant there was a slight delay to their landing in St Davids, but that didn't stop hundreds turning out to welcome the royals.

More than 600 children from the local school lined the route the Prince and Princess of Wales were due to take.

They attended a short, private ceremony at the cathedral on what was a largely sunny day.

St Davids was made a city in 1994 at the request of the late Queen.

Kate stopped for a chat at St Davids Cathedral

Amy Morgan, a teacher at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, said she was "hugely honoured" to have them visit the "beautiful peninsula".

"That's a beautiful honour, to remember the year passing of the Queen ," she said.

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"When you think that we are a church school and they represent the church as well, obviously that's something else that we wanted to encourage the children to come out and celebrate."

Valerie, who lives on Skomer Island, was "delighted" they had chosen to visit St Davids as she had never seen them before in real life.

Read more: Gun salutes across UK to mark first year of King's reign King pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on first anniversary of her death

The day was described as a "wonderful opportunity", by Susan, who lives in Mathry.

She was sure they'd both be welcomed "on this glorious day".

While the Royal Family were branded a "force for a lot of good", by Richard, who splits his time between St Davids and Houston, Texas.

Crowds waited for the royal visitors

The Prince and Princess of Wales paid tribute to the late Queen on Friday, saying: "We all miss you."

The message written by William and Kate on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: "Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C."

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Kate Middleton and Prince William Attend Church in Memory of Queen Elizabeth

On the one year anniversary of the late monarch's passing, the Prince and Princess of Wales were at St Davids Cathedral for a private service.

preview for The Life of Queen Elizabeth II

To remember the late Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Kate Middleton traveled to west Wales, today. While there, they attended a small, private service at St Davids Cathedral to commemorate the life of the late monarch. According to Kensington Palace, following the service, the royal couple will meet members of the local community in the adjacent cloister, and the guests will include locals who met Queen Elizabeth during her visits to St Davids.

This is hardly the first time they've memorialized the Queen; e arlier this year, to mark what would've been Elizabeth's 97th birthday, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a new photo of Queen Elizabeth and some of her great-grandchildren , captured by Kate at Balmoral last summer. Shortly after Queen Elizabeth's passing, Prince William wrote a moving tribute to his grandmother , saying, "While I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives." He added, "I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all."

Prince William and Kate's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, did not join them in Wales. The royal kids returned to school at Lambrook earlier this week, on Wednesday, September 6.

After attending church services, the royal couple changed out of their formal clothes and carried out two additional engagements in Wales; they visited the Câr-Y-Môr Seaweed Farm, and the RNLI LifeBoat Station. Here, see all the best photos from Will and Kate's visit to Wales today.

St David's Cathedral

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

William and Kate were in good spirits as they walked into church. For the occasion, Kate wore Queen Elizabeth's earrings.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted the royal fans who gathered to see them.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

They were welcomed into Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi (St. Davids Cathedral) by the Dean, Sarah Rowland Jones (far left).

britain wales royals queen anniversary

The Waleses will be part of a small service.

britain wales royals queen anniversary

As they walked in, they took in the historic setting.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

A view of the order of service, which is titled "an act of reflection for accession day."

britain wales royals queen anniversary

Inside, they took their seats in the church.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth was displayed near the altar.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

The Prince and Princess of Wales laid flowers next to the portrait of the Queen.

britain wales royals queen anniversary

The royals then stood and reflected before the image.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

Will and Kate both signed a book of condolences.

The Câr-Y-Môr Seaweed Farm

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

Kate and William at the Câr-Y-Môr Seaweed Farm, a partner of Notpla, the sustainable packaging start-up and winner of the 2022 Earthshot Prize for 'Build a Waste-Free World.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

The two took in the Welsh coastline.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

Kate changed from her dress into jeans, a white top, and her trusty Veja sneakers. She also wore a Troy parka .

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

They learned all about the seaweed.

RNLI LifeBoat Station

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

The Princess of Wales chats with crew and volunteers at the LifeBoat Station.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

"Her Late Majesty was Patron of @RNLI for 70 years, even meeting them here in St Davids, so it was a pleasure to meet its current crew and some of those supported by the unit, as we remember her today," Kensington Palace tweeted.

the prince and princess of wales commemorate the life of queen elizabeth ii

She also spoke with some young children at the lifeboat station.

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Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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The Prince and Princess of Wales to Visit West Wales

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at Cardiff Castle, in Cardiff, Wales, on the final day of a three-day tour across the country, 2021.

THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL VISIT WEST WALES

Friday 8th September 2023

The Prince and Princess of Wales will visit West Wales on Friday 8th September where they will meet local communities in and around St Davids. Their Royal Highnesses’ day will include a visit to St Davids Cathedral where they will commemorate the life of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a small private service, marking the one-year anniversary of her passing.

Engagement 1:

The Prince and Princess of Wales will visit St Davids Cathedral to commemorate the life of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her passing.

St Davids has been a site of pilgrimage and worship for over 1,400 years, since St David, the patron saint of Wales, settled there with his monastic community in the sixth century. The present cathedral dates from 1181 and welcomes around 300,000 visitors every year. It is the only UK cathedral where, since the Reformation, the sovereign has had a special stall in the quire among the members of the chapter, and Her late Majesty sat there on four occasions during her visits to St Davids over the years.

The Prince and Princess will join a short private service which will include a commemoration of Her late Majesty’s life, before meeting members of the local community in the adjacent cloister. The guests will include local people who met the late Queen during her visits to the city.

Engagement 2:

To be announced.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales remember late Queen on one-year anniversary

Prince william and kate attended a special church service in st davids, west wales.

William and Kate arrive at St Davids Cathedral

  • The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at St Davids Cathedral in Wales
  • Fashion details: Kate wearing burgundy Eponine dresscoat

Matthew Moore

Thank you for joining us!

That concludes HELLO!'s coverage of the Prince and Princess of Wales' visit to Wales. The event will no doubt have been emotional for both William and Kate, alongside other members of the Royal Family who have been paying their respects to the late Queen on the anniversary of her passing.

Kate Middleton waving with Prince William placing his hand on her back

William and Kate collect presents from children

As they left the service, the Prince and Princess were surprised by a group of local schoolchildren who presented them both with a selection of presents. Speaking about the moment, a member of the service who saw William and Kate with the children said: "She had plenty of time to talk with the children. She was asking their names, and one of them gave her a little present."

They presumed that the gifts might have been intended for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they overheard them saying it was "one each".

The royal couple then departed the service for another engagement at a seaweed farm on the coast of Pembrokeshire. The royal couple are visiting the Car-Y-Mor Seaweed Farm at St Davids, which translate to 'For the Love of the Sea'.

William and Kate walking past a group of children

Dean of St David's reveals William and Kate's emotions

Speaking to media after the service, the Very Rev. Dr. Sarah Rowland Jones, spoke movingly about the emotions that the Prince and Princess displayed when they paid tribute to the late Queen.

"I was struck that they spent quite a time as they laid the flowers," she shared. "In many ways our job is to give them the space for their remembering, because even if we had fleeting encounters with Her Late Majesty, none of us are part of that immediate family. It's not for us to really question what they were going through, but to give them the space to do whatever they needed to do."

William and Kate were emotional at the service

William and Kate take part in service

The overall service that William and Kate took part in reflected and celebrated the life of the late Queen. One especially emotional moment saw members of the church and the Prince and Princess of Wales singing Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts  which was performed at the Queen's state funeral. Prayers at the service were said in both Welsh and English.

Prince William and Kate at St David's Cathderal

William and Kate pay their respects to the late Queen

The Prince and Princess of Wales took a bouquet containing white roses and laid it before a framed picture of the late Queen when they entered St David's Cathedral. The royals paused for quite some time as they faced the picture of the Queen. William appeared sombre, while Kate lowered her head and appeared visibly moved.

Prince William and Kate Middleton in a church, with Kate holding a bouquet of white roses

Royal style

Kate wore muted maroon

And now for a closer look at what Kate is wearing for her visit to West Wales today.

Our Lifestyle Managing Editor, Kate Thomas, writes: "Kate looked regal in muted marron as she joined William at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales on Friday to mark the one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death

"Flashing a warm smile, the Princess of Wales was pictured arriving at the private service in her elegant dresscoat by Eponine and smart hat by Sahar Millinery . The mother-of-three chose to pay her respects via the medium of fashion, shunning a black outfit in favour of her understated and respectful look."

Full story here . 

Watch William and Kate's arrival

The Prince and Princess received a warm welcome to St Davids Cathedral on Friday afternoon. 

First photos

William and Kate at St Davids Cathedral

The couple arrived shortly after 1.30pm, when members of the crowd broke into spontaneous applause. 

William is in a dark blue suit while Kate wears a burgundy dresscoat by Eponine and Sahar Millinery. 

William and Kate arrive

Crowds gathered outside St Davids Cathedral

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at St Davids Cathedral to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death with a small private service. 

During their visit, William and Kate will attend a private service lasting ten minutes in the cloisters along with clergy, the choir and 20 invited guests.

It will be led by the Dean, the Very Rev Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, who is expected to reflect on the Queen’s “lifelong example of faithful and devoted service”.

Thou Knowest, Lord, The Secrets Of Our Hearts – played during the funeral of the Queen at Westminster Abbey – will be sung by the cathedral choir.

HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast

As we wait for the Prince and Princess to arrive, we're remembering our favourite memories of the late Queen Elizabeth II. 

And on the first episode of the new season of HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast , we have some very special guests. 

We're joined by esteemed royal photographer Julian Calder - who has taken some of the late Queen's most iconic portraits and goes into detail about what Her Majesty was really like behind the lens. 

He also reveals the cheeky sex book that the late Prince Philip had in his private office at Buckingham Palace and nearly made an appearance in one of his official portraits. 

Also joining hosts Andrea Caamano, Emily Nash and Emmy Griffiths is writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth , who considers himself "lucky" to have spent a lot of time with Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and the new King and Queen. 

He fondly remembers some fantastic anecdotes told to him by the Queen which make for an incredibly entertaining listen.

Listen here on Apple and Spotify .

HELLO! is in Wales with the Prince and Princess

HELLO!'s Isabelle Casey is in sunny West Wales and waiting outside St Davids Cathedral for the Prince and Princess. 

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The Duke of Sussex was spotted leaving St George's Chapel in Windsor on the one-year anniversary of his late grandmother's death.

The King George VI Memorial Chapel, which sits within the walls of St George’s Chapel, is the final resting place of the late Queen. 

It comes after Prince Harry made his first visit to the UK since June to attend the WellChild Awards on Thursday night. 

The Duke paid tribute to Elizabeth II during his speech, as he said his late grandmother "is looking down on us". 

See our coverage from the heartwarming evening here . 

William and Kate's personal message

Ahead of their day in West Wales, the Prince and Princess shared a personal message to pay tribute to the late Queen. 

Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the couple wrote: "Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C."

They also shared three images, showing the late Queen dressed in blue and smiling, another of the monarch surrounded by her great-grandchildren at Balmoral, and a third from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. 

King Charles leads tributes to late Queen

Queen Elizabeth II pictured in 1968

King Charles led the tributes to his late mother as the clock struck midnight on Friday. 

In a written and audio message, the monarch said: "In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty's death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us. 

"I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all. Charles R."

The palace also shared a photograph of the late Queen, chosen by Charles, which was taken in 1968 by Cecil Beaton. 

The late monarch is pictured wearing her Garter robes and wearing the diamond Grand Duchess Vladimir’s Tiara, with its pearl setting. 

See who else has paid tribute to Her Late Majesty . 

William and Kate's day in St Davids

The Prince And Princess Of Wales Visit Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales are making a poignant trip to St Davids in West Wales today, during which they will commemorate the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II .

Prince William and Kate, both 41, will firstly attend a private service at St Davids Cathedral to mark the one-year anniversary of Her Late Majesty's passing.

St Davids has been a site of pilgrimage and worship for over 1,400 years, since St David, the patron saint of Wales, settled there with his monastic community in the sixth century.

The present cathedral dates from 1181 and welcomes around 300,000 visitors every year. It is the only UK cathedral where, since the Reformation, the Sovereign has had a special stall in the Quire among the members of the Chapter, and the late Queen sat there on four occasions during her visits to St Davids over the years.  

After the service, the Prince and Princess will meet members of the local community in the adjacent cloister, including guests who met the late Queen during her visits to the city.

 William and Kate, who were previously the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were appointed as the Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles, following his accession on 8 September 2022.

Today marks the couple's first joint public engagements after their summer break.

On Thursday, William visited Bournemouth , to meet with local and national businesses, who have pledged to support his Homewards initiative – which aims to end homelessness for good.

During a visit to the town's Pret A Manger, the Prince was surprised by England football legend Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne. 

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Prince William visits the Princess of Wales in hospital as she recuperates from surgery

Prince William visits the Princess of Wales in hospital as she recuperates from surgery

The Princess of Wales in hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery

The Princess of Wales in hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery

IMAGES

  1. Prince Charles Visits St Davids Cathedral, Attends Service: Photos

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  2. St Davids Wales

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  3. Five things to do in St Davids

    royal visit st davids today

  4. St Davids

    royal visit st davids today

  5. Get to know St Davids Cathedral with these 5 facts

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  6. St Davids Bishop's Palace (Cadw)

    royal visit st davids today

VIDEO

  1. Once in Royal David's City with Makaton signing

  2. Once in Royal David's City

  3. ST Davids Day Express 2024 with 71000 Duke Of Gloucester

  4. A Day In U.K.’s SMALLEST City (St Davids) Pembrokeshire West Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

  5. Adam Lay Ybounden

  6. Royal St Davids Golf Club

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