News

Prince William visits Wales amid positive news on Kate’s health

Published

3 months ago

September 10, 2024

PRINCE WILLIAM, the Prince of Wales, made a visit to Wales on Tuesday (Sept 10), just a day after Princess Kate shared the encouraging news that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. While the Princess did not accompany her husband, her presence was felt as well-wishers shared their congratulations and sent messages of support for her ongoing recovery.

The Prince began his day at Swiss Valley Community Primary School in Llanelli, where he was greeted with enthusiasm by pupils, teachers, and parents alike. Among the highlights of the visit was Prince William meeting 10-year-old Ruby Davies, who had recently won the individual reciting competition for Welsh learners at the prestigious Urdd Eisteddfod. Ruby had become a viral sensation earlier in the year for her heartfelt reaction to winning the title. Ahead of her meeting with the Prince, Ruby shared her excitement, saying, “I’m feeling amazing, oh my gosh, it’s just an amazing experience, it’s something I’ll treasure forever.”

During the visit, the Prince watched a showcase of Welsh songs performed by the pupils and spoke warmly with Ruby, praising her for her confidence. “I’ve watched your video a few times, Ruby,” William told her. “You did brilliantly.” The school also presented him with postcards and friendship bracelets for his three children, a gesture that was met with appreciation from the Prince.

The visit to the school was followed by a stop at the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters, where the Prince, who serves as Patron of the charity, marked Air Ambulance Week by meeting with staff and crew members. The charity, often referred to as a “Flying Emergency Department,” plays a critical role in saving lives across Wales, offering advanced medical care at the scene of emergencies.

Prince William’s final engagement took place at Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets Rugby Union team. As Patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), the Prince celebrated the contribution of female Welsh rugby players, both past and present. He presented caps and brooches to former players as part of the WRU’s “Missing Caps” campaign, honouring those who had historically missed recognition. Among the recipients was Suzanne Thomas, whose mother, Barbara Thomas, from Swansea, expressed her pride, calling it a “special day for our family.”

In his conversations with the athletes, Prince William acknowledged the challenges they had faced, particularly in overcoming injuries, and praised their resilience. During his tour of the stadium, he was presented with a ‘sosban fach’ by former Wales player Derek Quinnell, a nod to the Scarlets’ iconic anthem.

Throughout the day, members of the public continued to share their well wishes for Princess Kate. The Prince graciously accepted cards and messages, thanking everyone for their kind thoughts and support during what the Princess had previously described as an “incredibly tough” year for their family.

Princess Kate had announced her completion of chemotherapy in a moving video message shared on social media on Monday, in which she spoke candidly about her battle with cancer and expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support. The video, which has been viewed millions of times, sparked a wave of relief and celebration from royal supporters.

As the Prince wrapped up his day of engagements, the mood in Llanelli was one of optimism and hope, with the people of Wales expressing their heartfelt support for both the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.