NEWTOWN, Wales – In an unscheduled stop during a visit to East Wales on Thursday, the Prince and Princess of Wales engaged with well-wishers braving heavy rainfall in Newtown, offering a personal touch that drew cheers from the crowd.
The Prince and Princess, who had daffodils pinned to their coats and carried umbrellas, paused their motorcade to greet residents who had gathered despite the downpour, according to the BBC. The impromptu interaction lasted approximately twenty-five minutes, involving handshakes and conversations with those present.
Adding a playful element to the visit, Princess Catherine accepted a challenge to a game of rock-paper-scissors from a young boy. A video of the exchange, shared on X by journalist Emily Ferguson, shows the Princess winning the initial round. Encouraging a rematch, she then participated in a series of four games, ultimately losing to the boy’s “scissors” and offering her congratulations.
The visit to Wales comes as Prince William prepares for an official trip to Saudi Arabia, a diplomatically significant journey, according to the BBC. This trip is occurring amidst heightened scrutiny of the Royal Family following the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, with Prince William and Princess Catherine having recently expressed their “deeply concerned” response to the latest revelations in a statement released on February 9, 2026.
The Prince and Princess of Wales last jointly appeared at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, 2026, marking their first joint appearance at the event since 2023. Prince William has served as President of BAFTA since 2010. Princess Catherine had previously missed the 2024 ceremony while focusing on her recovery.
Prior to their marriage, Prince William and Princess Catherine briefly separated in 2007, a period addressed in their engagement interview. Royal author Russell Myers, in his forthcoming book William & Catherine, suggests that Princess Catherine issued an “ultimatum” to Prince William shortly before the split, asserting a stronger position within the relationship.
Kensington Palace has announced that the Prince and Princess of Wales are set to relocate to Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, an eight-bedroom residence.