Kate Middleton and Prince William visited Wales for the first time Tuesday as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. They appeared to have impressed the locals, with reports saying some individuals have deemed the engagement “remarkable.”
People reported that the royal couple made a lasting impression on many people in the country, as per locals. This is said to be particularly true for those who met them during their two-part trip.
Speaking to the magazine, Rev. Steven Bunting, who hosted the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge at St. Thomas’s Church in Swansea, stated that the two royals made time for everyone. He described it as “remarkable,” adding that “they were incredibly interested in everybody.”
The magazine quoted the reverend, saying, “It was remarkable. The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke to everyone in the building - young and old.”
It continues, “They are clearly committed to listening to the stories of the people in Wales. They were incredibly interested in everybody.”
Bunting also told the publication that Prince William and Kate Middleton “were having none of it” in terms of sticking "to a certain plan." He pointed out that the pair “wanted to speak to everyone” as he guided them around the area.
The visit to St. Thomas’s Church in Swansea appears to be the second leg of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s two-part trip to Wales.
Harper’s Bazaar noted that the church is a re-developed one that supports locals across the city.
Reports also stated that the church is home to a foodbank that supports hundreds of people per week and Swansea Baby Basics, which distributes essential items for vulnerable mothers.
Earlier that day, it is said that the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Anglesey, where they lived for years after tying the knot in 2011.
On the island, the royal couple went to the RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station in Holyhead and met the crew and volunteers. They are also said to have engaged with locals and reps of small businesses and organizations, including the Coastguard and Sea Cadets.
Meanwhile, People noted elsewhere in its report that Rev. Steven Bunting talked about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s commitment to Wales. He is said to have asserted that “the fact that they’ve come straight here on day one says it all,” adding that the royal-born Prince is “throwing himself into the new role.”
This likely came after the Prince of Wales reportedly practiced and spoke the ancient national language during the visit.
Bunting told the magazine that the royal “talked about learning Welsh and shared some Welsh phrases he’s trying to do.” Some of these are said to have included “paned,” which means “a cup, such as of tea,” and “bara birth,” which is the traditional Welsh tea bread.
The publication also later stated that the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge is understood to have practiced his Welsh on the way out. It is believed that he was saying “Bore da,” which is Welsh for “good morning,” despite the engagement taking place in the afternoon.