The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, return to Pontypridd—their first joint engagement in Wales in over a year. This visit, strategically timed ahead of St. David’s Day was a poignant blend of royal elegance, cultural homage, and heartfelt community support. A red coat. A sunflower. A promise of jam. Sometimes, it’s the smallest details that leave the most indelible marks.
Arriving by train—even the modern royals—William and Catherine’s unexpected presence turned an ordinary Cardiff commute into an extraordinary moment. This visit, strategically timed ahead of St. David’s Day, was a poignant blend of royal elegance, cultural homage, and heartfelt community support.
Prince William and Kate Middleton visited Pontypridd Market where they met local business owners and had the opportunity to turn their hand to preparing Welsh cakes. The Prince and Princess met the current owner of The Welsh Cake Shop and heard about the business, before taking the opportunity to prepare and cook their own Welsh cakes.
Then they visited the Fountain Café where they joined a group of business owners for a conversation about life in Pontypridd Market and its role within the local community. At the Meadow Street Community Garden and Woodland—meticulously restored by volunteers after the floods— Kate Middleton found herself in her element, speaking passionately about foraging, a quiet pastime she shares with her children. She recounted a recent Norfolk discovery: a massive puffball mushroom that had captivated George, Charlotte, and Louis. As she promised young gardeners her personal plum jam recipe, her engagement with the community felt deeply authentic—more than just duty, it was connection.
True to her signature style, Kate’s fashion choices spoke volumes. The red Alexander McQueen coat, a power piece, was a subtle yet striking homage to the Welsh flag. Paired with delicate garnet earrings by Welsh designer Spells of Love, her look balanced heritage with modernity—an aesthetic parallel to her evolving royal role. William, equally composed in a navy overcoat, complemented her presence with ease.
What Kate Middleton Wore to Pontypridd, Wales visit
- Alexander McQueen Coat – Debuted October 2020
- Ralph Lauren Collection Tweed and Suede Jacket – Repeat from 2007 (Thanks to Middleton Maven for the id)
- Gucci Pleated checked wool-twill midi skirt – Debuted in January 2020 when She photographed Holocaust Survivors
- Spells of London Teardrop Garnet Charm Gold Hoops – Debuted in March 2023 to visit Salisbury
- Mulberry Bayswater Tote Bag – New (Thanks to Middleton Maven for the id)
- Gianvito Rossi Glen Boots – Debuted at the Rugby match in Wigan in 2022