William visits Wales after Kate cancer update

The Prince of Wales has appeared in public for the first time since his wife, the Princess of Wales shared a personal video about her cancer treatment.

He travelled to Llanelli, Carmarthenshire a day after Princess Catherine released a message saying she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and was now focused on staying cancer free.

His solo visit - to celebrate Welsh sport and culture - began at Ysgol Gynradd Swiss Valley with pupils who took part in this year's Urdd Eisteddfod.

Among them was 10-year-old Ruby, a second-language Welsh learner whose enthusiastic celebrations after winning a recital category at the cultural event went viral earlier this year.

"I've watched your video a few times Ruby," Prince William said as he met Ruby.

"You did brilliantly, you don't seem nervous about performing on stage at all."

Ruby told him she was "a little bit" but also said she was "really excited".

"It was very impressive, you're going to have to teach me how to speak Welsh," he added.

When asked how it felt to meet the Prince of Wales, Ruby said it was "amazing".

"He's a lovely man and it's an honour to meet him, and it's an experience that is going to be treasured and kept forever. We had a little chat about everything really and I gave him a hug."

"I also presented him with a book and bracelets that I made for Kate and Charlotte," she added.


Ruby did a dance for the Prince of Wales

Ruby's mother Lynne spoke of her happiness at hearing the Princess of Wales had completed chemotherapy, saying it was something that affected so many people.

Princess Catherine said in the video she was looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more official engagements in the coming months.

The school’s head teacher, Jo Davies, said: "The children have been so excited, and I think the staff were a bit shocked that the Prince of Wales would be coming, but everybody has really embraced the visit."

Prince William was also greeted by a crowd outside the school where several people offered their well wishes to the Princess of Wales following her announcement she had completed chemotherapy.

He thanked everyone for their thoughts, with two people handing him cards.

Reuters: Prince William speaking to a crowd gathered after his visit to a primary school

Ex- pupil Kate Davies, 24, and her mother Elizabeth Davies, 57, said they couldn’t believe that their village had a royal visit.

“We said ‘bore da’ to him and he answered us back in Welsh,” said Elizabeth.

Kate added: “It’s been so exciting. This is my ex-school.”

Cameron Churchill, 24, lives close to the school and said it was an “unbelievable” experience.

“To see the future king here, in my area, just incredible to see him so close up, just absolutely mindblown,” he said.

“I’d give him a five out of five for his Welsh. His pronunciation was very good.”


Prince Williams visited the headquarters of the Welsh Air Ambulance in Llanelli

He was also serenaded with a medley of Welsh songs and was greeted by laughter when a child told him he had a bug on him.

He asked the young boy, who was a sea cadet, if he wanted to keep it, and handed it to him.

He said: "Good spot, it must have followed me here."

The prince also visited the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance in Llanelli, of which he is a patron.




BBC