Royal Visit to Powys Celebrates Welsh Community Spirit
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Powys to honor community initiatives ahead of St David's Day on Sunday.
William and Catherine began their visit at The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes, a community project emphasizing resilience and creativity, before proceeding to an art gallery in Newtown.
They were greeted with cheers from crowds gathered outside despite the rainy weather, with many attendees waving Welsh flags and holding daffodils.
At the conclusion of their visit, the couple paused their vehicle to spend 25 minutes in heavy rain engaging with well-wishers. Catherine exchanged high-fives and hugs, while William posed for selfies.
The couple ordered hot drinks at the Llanidloes cafe and conversed with individuals creating Welsh language festival signs.
The Hanging Gardens serves as a hub for sustainable living, artistic expression, and shared experiences through its cafe, performing arts center, indoor market, community garden, kitchens, and workshops.
Both the prince and princess wore daffodils on their lapels as they walked outside to the forge, where they met nursery children aged three and four holding signs they had drawn.
Inside the forge, they greeted Ollie Jones, 21, and observed him crafting a hook for The Hanging Gardens. They then visited the center's performing arts space to watch schoolchildren perform Welsh songs.
The couple met producers in the adjacent market, with William sampling a glass of cider, before entering the kitchen where traditional cawl and Welsh cakes were being prepared for St David's Day.
This was initially intended to conclude their visit, but after a short drive, William and Catherine exited their vehicle to meet more cheering crowds, including children presenting them with flowers and drawings.
William expressed delight upon seeing children holding an Aston Villa scarf, the football club he has supported since school days.
"That's a great way to get my attention," he said.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales spoke with members of the public about the children's performance at Llanidloes school, stating:
"It was so lovely to meet the children singing inside - they were incredible."
While at the market, William stopped at a stall selling Welsh Mountain Cider and inquired:
"I will have to try some, what do you recommend?"
As Catherine approached, he added:
"I was offered a glass of cider so I said yes."
In the kitchen, Catherine emphasized the importance of The Hanging Gardens, describing places like it as:
"a lifeline to so many people in the community."
Following their visit to The Hanging Gardens, the couple proceeded to Oriel Davies, a public contemporary art gallery in Newtown, before attending a celebration of volunteer groups at Hafan yr Afon, a cultural, community, and heritage hub in the town.
