The Prince and Princess of Wales’s Warm Welcome in Wales Ahead of St. David’s Day

The Prince and Princess of Wales made a heartwarming visit to Powys, Wales, on February 26, 2026, engaging with communities and demonstrating support ahead of St. David’s Day on Sunday. Despite rainy weather, large crowds gathered to greet the royal couple, who adjusted their schedule to spend time with well-wishers.

Community Engagement in Llanidloes and Newtown

The day began at The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes, a community project focused on resilience and creativity . William and Catherine enjoyed hot beverages at a local café while chatting with individuals creating Welsh language festival signs. The Prince sampled Welsh cider, while the Princess learned about preparations for traditional Welsh stew (cawl) and Welsh cakes for St. David’s Day .

A Moment with the Public

In a spontaneous gesture, the Prince and Princess paused their journey to Newtown to greet cheering crowds who had gathered despite the downpour. They engaged with the public, playing rock, paper, scissors with school children, posing for selfies with teenagers, and receiving messages of support .

Supporting Arts and Mental Health Initiatives

The royal couple visited Oriel Davies, a contemporary art gallery in Newtown, where they viewed the “Hand in Hand” project, a community scheme involving Syrian and Afghan families. Catherine expressed her admiration for the project, noting its positive impact on fostering friendships and sharing stories .

Catherine also dedicated time to Mums Matter, a perinatal service supporting women experiencing mental health challenges related to early motherhood. She spoke with Ella Hopkins, a volunteer who shared her experience of fleeing domestic violence with her son, Marcus. Hopkins described the Princess as “absolutely incredible” and deeply invested in the cause, emphasizing her passion for supporting parents’ stability .

A Message of Support for the Monarchy

During the walkabout, William received a message of encouragement from Jill Christofides, who expressed her belief that the monarchy was “safe in his hands” .