The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Mumbles in Wales
William and Catherine had a busy day in Wales visiting several local organizations, businesses and charities during their jam packed day visiting Mumbles and Port Talbot in Wales. The day trip included visits to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Joes Ice cream Parlour, Tata Steel and Bulldogs Boxing. The Duke and Duchess also met members of the public between their visits which included one of Catherine's primary school teachers who came out to say hello to her former student.
At the couples first stop at the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) they spoke with crew members about the day to day work that they do. The team provides 24 hour rescue services to those who need them at sea and the service is frequently the most active single station in Wales. The Queen is patron of the RNLI and has supported their mission for over five decades since becoming patron in 1952.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge then met with members of the public before visiting Joes Ice Cream Parlour, a local business that hand churns their Gelato daily and has been made in Wales since 1922. At the parlour, William and Catherine spoke with parents about the Duchesses landmark #5BigQuestions survey which aims to include the larger public in the important conversation of bringing up the next generation. The first five years of life can impact physical, mental and emotional health for the rest of a persons life. Ensuring our children have the best possible start in life ensures that they can be productive, healthy and well rounded adults.
Following the stop at the Ice Cream Parlour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Tata Steel which provides over 4,000 jobs to the local community. William and Catherine were given a tour of the U.K's largest steel plant and met with employees and their families before joining a discussion with company directors and trade unions. Before departing the couple were give stuffed dragons (the national animal of Wales) for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
During their final appearance of the day, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Bulldogs Development Centre. Bulldogs Boxing & Activities and Port Talbot Amateur Boxing have partnered to give kids who have had adverse experiences or mental health issues a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment through fitness and boxing. Their visit coincided with Children's Mental Health Week which was set up by the Duchess of Cambridge's patronage, Place2Be.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had lived in Wales as newlyweds and Prince George attended Nursery School there before the family moved to London. Catherine recently spoke about her life in Wales during a visit, discussing what it was like to have a new baby so far from her family who live in Berkshire. Wales undoubtedly holds a special place in the couples hearts and it was very clear that their visit meant a lot to locals, including one who tweeted after their father-in-law met William and Catherine saying;
"William and Kate, each of you paused to look my father-in-law in the eye today, to listen to him and be his friend for a few timeless beautiful minutes. You are the real deal and he and our family will never ever forget. Thankyou xx"
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will join the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at the Defense and National Rehabilitation Centre in Loughborough next week. As it is Children's Mental Health week, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Duchess at one more engagement this week but nothing has been confirmed yet. xx