Prince William Speaks Welsh to Celebrate St David’s Day

Prince William showed off his Welsh language skills in honor of St David’s Day.

“Hello, today on St David’s Day, we come together to celebrate Wales, its history, its culture and its incredible people,” William, 42, said in Welsh in a social media video shared on Saturday, March 1. “From its incredible landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire.”

He continued, “Today, we will celebrate everything magical about Wales. To all the people of Wales and everybody around the world, Happy St David’s Day!”

William’s message marked the first time that he delivered a full speech in the language. According to Hello! and People, the prince has been learning conversational Welsh.

William and his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, recently traveled to the Welsh city of Pontypridd in February. The royal couple had been bestowed the respective titles of the Prince and Princess of Wales by William’s father, King Charles III, upon his coronation as monarch. (Charles, 76, previously held the princely title until he assumed the throne in September 2022 when his mother, Queen Elizabeth III, died.)

“As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities, which I have undertaken for more than five decades,” Charles said in his accession speech. “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.”

The regent added, “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given.”

Days later, William acknowledged his affinity for Wales while speaking with politician Mark Drakeford.

“The Prince acknowledged his and the Princess’s deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey, including during the earliest months of Prince George’s life,” Kensington Palace said in a statement regarding the meeting. “The Prince and Princess will spend the months and years ahead deepening their relationship with communities across Wales.”

William and Kate, 43, are parents to sons Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6, as well as daughter Princess Charlotte, 9. The entire Wales brood has spent time in the country.

In June 2022, William and Kate even brought their eldest children to a surprise walkabout at Cardiff Castle in honor of Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.