The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, delighted children during a damp visit to Powys, Wales, showcased by a spirited game of rock, paper, scissors. The visit, which took place on 26 February 2026, was a part of the royal couple’s efforts to engage with the community ahead of St. David’s Day, the national celebration of Wales, which falls on 1 March.
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Accompanying her husband, Prince William, the Princess of Wales was warmly received by the locals. In a lively moment caught on video, Kate enthusiastically participated in the classic children’s game with two young boys during a walkabout, despite the rainy weather. “Let’s do it again. Rock, paper, scissors, shoot,” she said, clearly enjoying the interaction as one boy successfully triumphed over her with a “paper” gesture against her “rock.”
Throughout the engaging visit, Kate demonstrated her warm rapport with children, commonly earning her the affectionate title of “the Children’s Princess.” Her maternal instincts shone through as she celebrated a young boy who beat her in the game. Additionally, she greeted a little girl who presented her with a drawing of the Welsh flag, further spreading joy during the uncomfortable weather conditions.
Kate’s playful spirit was not limited to games. A video captured her embracing three young girls holding Welsh flags, much to their delight, as they bounced with excitement to meet her. In another touching moment, she graciously accepted a handmade necklace from a child at the Oriel Davies art gallery. The royal made a point to let the girl assist in fastening the necklace, showcasing her down-to-earth nature.
The visit to Powys was significant not only for its community focus but also for its timing as the region boasts the highest number of volunteers per capita in the UK. Prince William and Princess Kate donned daffodil pins as a tribute to the upcoming St. David’s Day celebrations, a day when wearing daffodils or leeks is customary to honour Welsh heritage.
Both royals share a deep connection with Wales, having spent formative years living in the area as newlyweds and following the birth of their first child, Prince George. The visit held added importance following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, which led King Charles to bestow the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales upon William and Kate.
On their agenda, the royal couple visited several local attractions, including The Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes and the Hafan yr Afon community hub in Newtown. They aimed to engage with the local populace and highlight the hardworking, lively spirit of the region.
This trip to Wales coincided with another significant event, as it marked the end of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s humanitarian visit to Jordan. This convergence of royal engagements offered a rare moment of overlap where both couples were fulfilling their public duties simultaneously.
Notably, the royal visit came just a week following the historic arrest of Prince William’s uncle, the former Prince Andrew, a development that has garnered extensive media coverage. However, William and Kate’s focus remained firmly on celebrating the vibrant Welsh community and fostering connections with its members, particularly its children.
This visit served as a reminder of the Royals’ dedication to public engagement, highlighting their willingness to connect with individuals of all ages despite personal challenges and the unpredictable Welsh weather.