News

Retired coalman is royal billion-heir

Published

9 years ago

February 2, 2016

Keith Williams: Retired collier could be a billionaire

WHEN EXPLORING his family tree, Keith Williams was shocked to find out that not only was he the first-born son of the 33rd Sultan of Malaysia, but he was also his biological heir. Keith’s father was one of 9 different sultans in Malaysia. Each sultan takes turns to rule the country for 5 years, before retiring into luxury.

Keith, a retired Pembrokeshire coal delivery man, lives with his wife Vanessa in a cosy bungalow in Penygroes – a contrast to his father who was brought up in the huge golden-turreted palace Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar.

Keith was put up for adoption by his birth mother when he was 4 months old and lived at the Caeglas Children’s Home in Ffairfach until he was 18 months old. Keith was then adopted and grew up in a loving family home with his adoptive parents. He found out that he was adopted when he was 13 years old, which was around the time that his father ascended to the throne from prince to 33rd Sultan.

Keith left school at 15 to join his adoptive father’s coal delivery business. Unfortunately, due to delivering 112lb sacks of coal for over 20 years, he developed chronic back pain. This condition forced him to retire 6 years ago.

He did not make any attempts to track down his biological parents until after the birth of his first grandchild, following a suggestion by his wife. Keeping his mission a secret from his adoptive parents and armed with only a marriage certificate and an address for someone who witnessed his mother’s wedding, he was met with many dead ends along the way. In his late forties, he received an address and began writing to his mother, Elizabeth Rosa Hodge. Having been apart for nearly 50 years, they eventually reunited. His mother was now living in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire andhad two daughters and a son with her Polish husband George Grzegorez.

Keith had 16 “wonderful” years with his birth mother until she died at 81 years of age. In their years spent with one another she pieced together the story of his heritage, divulging the information that his father was Malaysian royalty.

He learned that his mother had been swept off her feet into a whirlwind romance with London university student and sultan Idris Iskandar Al- Mutawakki Alallahi Shah whilst she was a 17 year old student nurse in Surrey. After falling pregnant, she returned to her Llanelli home and after the birth put Keith up for adoption.

The sultan returned to Malaysia to avoid the royal scandal that would’ve been brought on by having a baby out of wedlock with a foreign ‘commoner’, and Elizabeth lost all contact with him. She learned that he never received any of her letters, but she had kept everything she had written to him and the photos they had taken together.

In a step towards finding his father, Keith requested his birth records from Social Services. The documents listed a description of him which said that “The father of the child is a Malaysian. A married man with a family.” This would later serve as his proof.

Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Shah: 33rd Sultan of Perak

Keith said that the search for his biological father was difficult due to the sultan’s royal status. He eventually found out that the 33rd sultan was his father but had died in 1984 of a heart attack and had left behind 10 children.

Upon learning of his father’s death, Keith decided to attempt to contact some of his half brothers and sisters in Malaysia. By chance, his son Simon stumbled across a photo of the sultan on MySpace. The woman who had posted the image was the Sultan’s daughter, Ku Ess.

After contacting Ku Ess, Keith decided to take a DNA test to prove his heritage to his Malaysian family. He asked one of his half-brothers for a male DNA sample to compare against his own, but was shocked to receive a reply stating that they were no ordinary family and did not want to openly expose any skeletons in the cupboard.

Keith began to think that due to the amount of the power the Sultan had, he must also be extremely wealthy, and concluded that the family were not only afraid of a scandal, but also were worried that an unknown Welshman would swoop in and seize their fortune and their power. Although pondering the idea of money being left in the sultan’s will, Keith made it abundantly clear that money was not the motive behind reaching out to his Malay family, but instead it was the chance to meet and learn more of his background.

After travelling to Malaysia, he made contact with one of his half-brothers and visited his father’s mausoleum, of which Keith said “was fantastic and very emotional. I would’ve loved to meet him.” On receiving a tour of the grand palace in which his father grew up, he humorously commented that “It took two and a half minutes to drive around the Sultan’s palace – it would take two and a half seconds to drive around my place.” His half sister also visited him discreetly whilst he was staying at a hotel in Malaysia.

Keith says his shocking discovery is “like a story from a Disney film.” Reflecting on the lifestyle of a sultan, he said “I’ve worked all my life and never wanted for anything. I got married when I was 21 and Vanessa and I will celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary in April.” He believes that regardless of his current or future circumstances, he won’t change who he is and appreciates his place within his community – “I’m still Keith y Glo – Keith the Coal.”

Keith hopes to meet more of his Malaysian relatives in the next few years, and also learn more about his father and his new extended family.

Community

Spotlight shines on County’s young people at annual awards

Published

17 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

The FOURTH Pembrokeshire Spotlight Awards celebrating children and young people who achieve exceptional things and make a real difference was held recently.

The Awards – a collaboration between Pembrokeshire Youth, The Children and Young People’s Rights Office and Children’s Services – took place on 22nd November at the Merlin Theatre, Pembrokeshire College and celebrated the achievements of Pembrokeshire’s young people.

A huge well done to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank, who were involved in the whole process, from conception, to planning, to being involved on the night of the awards.

This was truly an event ‘For Young People, By Young People.’

Sponsorship from BAM Nuttall and Pure West Radio enabled the awards to go ahead this year and helped make it a memorable evening.

The event saw some amazing achievements noted and celebrated and the winners and runners up are as follows:

Achieving positive change: The Edge Quiet Hour (winner), Craig Thompson and Samantha Barton (runners up).

Arts Award: Lleucu-Haf Thomas (winner), FADDS Youth Theatre and Tomos Roberts (runners up).

Eco Champion Award: Senedd Gwyrdd at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi (winner).

Education Award: Megan Thomas (winner), Carla Briskham (runner up).

Fundraising Award: Ellie Neville (winner), George Bromwich and Molly Venables (runners up).

Making a difference in the community: Eirlys Lloyd-Phillips (winner), Pembroke Family of Schools – Social Action Project, We Know… Our Journey Group, Neyland Youth Club Group (runners up).

Most inspiring story: Aaron Briskham (winner), Aimee Hawkings and Molly Evans (runners up).

Music Award: Carys Wood + Alice Thomas (winners), Amy Evans and Iestyn Barrellie (runners up).

Sport Award: Harley and Liam Franz (winners), Caiden Meacham and Ava Tyrie (runners up).

Voice Award: Tegan Skyrme (winner), Niamh Jones, Mya-Rose John (runners up).

Young Leader / Peer Mentoring Award: Daniella Loveridge / Chloe Harries (winners), Tomos Padel, Brogan Collins and The Point (runners up).

The final award of the night was the special ‘Spotlight Award’, given to a single young person for a particularly important contribution or achievement. For 2024 this award was given to Freya Terry.

Here’s Freya’s inspiring nomination:

Freya has struggled with her mental health since she was 11. She has had some great support from the Amethyst Project and then more recently adult mental health services. She has come out of that stronger and decided to do a voyage solo around the UK and Ireland to raise awareness of mental health in young people – attempting to inspire people to talk about their mental health so that they can get some support, rather than bottle it all up in fear and shame.

She has given talks to local Pembrokeshire youth groups, as well as talking to others as she makes her way around the country which have been really well received. She has gained so much confidence from this venture and has attracted many followers (www.she-sails.co.uk)

Boat problems left her lost at sea for many hours and then a freak wave that tossed her across the boat resulting in her getting concussion and having to call the coastguard. But this didn’t stop her, as soon as she recovered, she got going again and is making great progress.

Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes presented the overall Spotlight Award and said: “Everyone nominated in these Spotlight Awards are a real inspiration to their peers and the wider community. It was an honour to present the overall award for Freya, her story demonstrates a real resilience and commitment to give something back to society while overcoming her own struggles.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Steve Alderman said: “It is fantastic to see our young people being celebrated for the exceptional things they have achieved and the difference they make in their communities.”

Cabinet Member for Social Care & Safeguarding Cllr Tessa Hodgson added: “Sometimes young people are not given the credit they deserve and it is fantastic that this event is dedicated to celebrating the wonderful things they can achieve.”

The award ceremony was followed by refreshments and entertainment including an inflatable assault course, circus skills, photo booth as well as candyfloss and popcorn in the foyer of the college.

Special thanks also go to those who attended the event to present the young people with the awards as well as to those who took the time to nominate a young person or group.

Sincere thanks also to Dylan Harwood who performed one of his original songs; Charlie Royal, Polly Thomas, Josh Roberts and the rest of the team at Pembrokeshire College for hosting this event; Nadine Farmer, Bethany Roberts, Nicky Edwards and Angie Moore for their assistance in organising this event and to the young people from Pembrokeshire Youth Bank for their hard work.

More pictures are available on the Children and Young People’s Rights Office Facebook page.

News

Pembroke lantern parade lights up the town

Published

20 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE’S Lantern Parade lit up the night on the Commons this evening, bringing the community together for a magical celebration of creativity and togetherness. Hosted by the Pembroke Town Team, the event showcased the vibrant spirit of the town, with lanterns crafted by locals under the expert guidance of Sand Palace Arts.

Leading the way was Brig Y Don, setting the tone for a parade filled with glowing woodland creatures and majestic swans, enchanting all who joined. Attendees were invited to the Tanyard Project to begin their illuminated journey around Pembroke, culminating at The Foundry House, where a spectacular fire display awaited.

Hot food, drinks, and festive music added to the warm atmosphere, as residents gathered to chase away the winter blues. The wishing tree, a highlight of the evening, offered a moment of reflection and hope, as attendees hung their Christmas wishes before heading home.

Thanks to funding from the MHPA Community Fund, UK Government, and Pembrokeshire Pride, the much-loved Lantern Parade was brought to life once more. This year’s event built on the success of previous parades, showcasing the continued dedication of the Pembroke Town Team, who also organised the popular Pembroke Festival earlier this year.

The team expressed gratitude to all contributors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the evening a success, ensuring the tradition continues to light up the hearts of Pembroke residents.

(Pics: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive cheer as St Davids switches on Christmas lights

Published

20 hours ago

November 30, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS was lit with festive spirit as the annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds to Cross Square on Monday evening. The event, which began at 5:15pm, marked the official start of the holiday season for the city.

Families enjoyed carol singing and mulled wine as the community gathered in the chilly coastal air. Children were thrilled by a special visit from Santa Claus, who spread joy and posed for photographs with eager youngsters.

Earlier in the day, the holiday buzz began with two Christmas markets. The Oriel Y Parc Outdoor Christmas Market and the Cathedral Christmas Fair opened at 10:00am, offering a selection of local crafts, festive treats, and seasonal goods. Visitors had the opportunity to shop for unique gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Shops extended their opening hours for the occasion, allowing visitors to explore local offerings late into the evening. Local pubs provided a cosy escape from the cold, enhancing the community atmosphere.

A cheer erupted as the Christmas lights illuminated Cross Square, transforming it into a magical scene. The sparkling decorations signalled the start of the festive season and brought residents together in celebration.

With more holiday events planned for December, St Davids is set to remain a festive hub, ensuring a joyous Christmas season for locals and visitors alike.

(Images: St Davids Cathedral)