Kate Middleton and Prince William Bake Welsh Cakes in Flood-Stricken Pontypridd
Upon arrival at Pontypridd Market, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William received warm welcomes. The royal couple engaged in hands-on activities by making Welsh cakes in the market, PEOPLE reported. They visited Wales to celebrate St. David’s Day on March 1. This event marked their second joint royal engagement of the year, coming after a Holocaust Memorial Day service in London on January 27. Following her announcement of being in remission from cancer, Kate decided on short notice to join her husband at the memorial event commemorating the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s liberation.
The couple appeared to travel by train, sharing their journey on Instagram. They posted a video showing themselves walking on a platform tagged "Cardiff, Wales." Staying true to her tradition of colorful dressing, Kate wore a vibrant red coat, reminiscent of the Welsh flag colors.
During their visit to South Wales, the Prince and Princess examined the aftermath of Storm Bert and Storm Darragh. These storms caused severe disruption and loss in Pontypridd in November and December. Many families and businesses in the area have struggled due to the repeated flooding.
The couple began their day strolling through the bustling market, where they toured various shops. They stopped in at The Welsh Cake Shop, where owner Theresa Conner joined them as they donned aprons to cook the traditional cakes.
Theresa shared her enthusiasm, mentioning, "Kate is a keen baker with her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. She is excited to bake Welsh cakes with us."
"This visit is wonderful for Pontypridd," she added. "Many people here have faced flooding challenges. Their visit raises our profile and supports our community." Many local customers eagerly awaited a chance to catch a glimpse of the couple.
At the shop, William and Kate gained experience making the iconic Welsh cakes, traditionally flavored with small currants. Unlike scones, these cakes are cooked on a cast-iron griddle rather than baked in an oven. The shop offers various flavors, from chocolate-chip to traditional varieties, and even vegan and low-sugar options.
Next, the couple visited the local Fountain Café, where they listened to business owners discuss market dynamics and the impacts of the flooding. The area has repeatedly dealt with severe river flooding in recent years. A local bookstore reported approximately $25,000 worth of books lost during the disaster, affecting its viability.
Their itinerary also included Meadow Street Community Garden and Woodland, created in January 2021. This space encourages public participation in gardening and crafts. The garden's previous flood recovery efforts demonstrated community resilience and cooperation, as volunteers swiftly helped restore it after damage from a flood in December 2024.
Amid their visit, the couple learned about how the garden fosters connections and promotes the well-being nature brings, an element of personal importance for Princess Kate.
Prince William and Princess Kate have fond ties to Wales, having spent their early married years in North Wales. In February 2011, Princess Kate made her first official outing there, attending an event with William at the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station, where she also christened the new lifeboat vessel.
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