The Prince and Princess of Wales began their second day in Isle of Mull with another set of engagements highlighting the natural beauty of the highlands. Yesterday, William and Kate celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary at a self-catering rented cottage on the island. Earlier in the day, they visited the Aros Hall, local market and Croft.
Today, William and Kate began their day with a visit to the remote Ardura Community Forest on the south of the island. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay met the Countryside Rangers from the Mull and Iona Ranger Service at the Ardura Community Forest to highlight the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment.
William and Kate joined a toddler play group before taking a tour of the picturesque woodland and nearby river. From the Telegraph report,
The Princess, who has spoken extensively about the importance nature now plays in her life, spoke about the need to get children “outdoors as much as they can. It’s the small things that are important,” she said.
The Prince told one family: “The thing is, in the cities we have lost the ability to come together and know our neighbours.”
“Moray Finch, general manager of the Rangers, took the Prince and Princess on a short walk to see the forest’s oldest resident – a 300-year-old holly tree.”
“One mother wished her a happy anniversary, and asked her whether they had enjoyed their time on Mull.
“It’s an amazing place to be on our anniversary,” the Princess replied.
The Prince, also joining in the activities, said: “For a family you really couldn’t get any better than this.”
During their two-day visit, The Prince and Princess of Wales have traveled to the Isles of Mull and Iona to celebrate and connect with local communities. They met the Mull and Iona Ranger Service, which leads conservation and education initiatives across the islands, and joined a group of schoolchildren in outdoor learning activities at Ardura Community Forest, one of Scotland’s most precious habitats and part of the Atlantic rainforest. Rangers have been at the heart of conservation on the Isles of Mull and Iona for more than 20 years, protecting landscapes, managing wildlife, and helping local communities and visitors to connect with nature.
The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales announced new funding to safeguard these vital roles, ensuring the continued protection and responsible management of these unique environments. The funding, provided through The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme, will secure the future of two ranger positions, preventing the loss of these essential services. Rangers play a crucial role in balancing conservation with sustainable tourism, ensuring the natural beauty of the Isles remains accessible to residents and visitors alike.
The Daily Mirror reported, “Meeting a group of excited children after being presented with a miniature bouquet of flowers by one toddler, Kate, 43, spoke to locals about the benefits of being out in nature amidst the stunning surroundings. The future queen added: “It’s the small things that are important. “What an amazing set up”, the princess enthused. “We are very lucky with the weather, it’s a very nice day for it”, remarked the prince. Kate chatted about studies which have long shown the benefits of the natural world on mental and well as physical health, issues which have been close to her heart since being diagnosed with cancer last February.”
The second stop of the day was Pennyghael Community Hall. The Community hall is another project that receives the grant from the Royal Foundation. Kensington Palace shared today, “Proud to support the renovation here at Pennyghael Community Hall through The Royal Foundation’s Community Impact Programme, helping refresh a welcoming space for families, locals, and visitors alike.”
At the center, William and Kate met with those who run the service as well as members of the community who use it. They heard about what services are being offered at the community center to the locals.
Next, The Prince and Princess of Wales took the public ferry across the water to the Isle of Iona from Fionnphort. William and Kate were welcomed by a small crowd when they arrived at the small port of Fionnphort, where the CalMac ferry to the island was waiting.
From The Standard’s report, “After greeting the well-wishers who lined the pier, the couple spoke with ferry staff, asking them about the challenges of running services, particularly in bad weather. As the couple walked down to the ferry, a crew member asked whether they had enjoyed their time on Mull. William replied: “It’s been fantastic, thanks”, adding that the good weather the couple have enjoyed throughout their stay “obviously helps”.
The three ferry routes between the mainland and Mull all carry vehicles and foot passengers; however, the one route between the Isle of Iona and Mull permits vehicles for local residents only. Iona is a small island with a population of less than 200 and welcomes more than 10000 visitors every year. The Royal Couple visited the Iona Abbey and Nunnery on the Island of Iona. A small reception was hosted for The Prince and Princess of Wales at the Island. They spent a couple of hours on the island before heading back home.
What The Princess of Wales wore to Isle of Mull
- Ralph Lauren Collection Schmitt Herringbone Tweed Jacket – New (Thanks to Middleton Maven for all the new ids)
- Johnstons of Elgin Classic Cashmere V Neck Jumper – New
- Boden Broderie Frill Cotton Shirt– New
- G-Star High G-Shape Cargo Skinny Pants – Repeat
- Spells of London Teardrop Garnet Charm Gold Hoops – Repeat from March 2023 to visit Salisbury
- Daniella Draper Fixed Alphabet Necklace – Repeat from May 2021 Scotland Tour
- Daniella Draper Personalised Gold Midnight Moon Necklace – Repeat from January 2020
- Finlay & Co Marble ‘Vivian’ Sunglasses – Repeat from July 2023 Polo Match
- See by Chloe Leather Trimmed Suede Ankle Boots – Repeat from January 2019 visit to King Henry’s Walk Community Garden