The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, recently showcased her linguistic skills during a charity event broadcast on BBC Radio, much to the delight of host Owain Wyn Evans. On 13 November, listeners were treated to a surprise voice message from the princess, delivered entirely in Welsh, as she lent her support to Evans’s efforts to raise funds for BBC Children in Need.
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Owain Wyn Evans, a dedicated Welsh speaker, was undertaking a challenging cycling event aimed at assisting disadvantaged children. During the live show, presenter Sara Cox announced to Evans that a royal surprise awaited him. She then revealed that it was a message from none other than the Princess of Wales, who had chosen to communicate in his native tongue.
In her voice note, Kate warmly addressed Evans, saying: “Bore da Owain. Mae’n Catherine. Rwyt ti’n gwneud mor dda. Dalia ati. Rwy’n dymuno’r gorau i ti gyd,” which translates to: “Hi Owain, it’s Catherine. You’re doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the best!” The encouragement seemed to resonate with Evans, who expressed his joy and astonishment at receiving such a message.
Evans’s reaction was one of sheer excitement, as he exclaimed, “Oh my gosh!” when Cox informed him of the surprise. After listening to the message, he conveyed Kate’s supportive words to the listeners, clearly moved by the royal endorsement of his efforts. His enthusiasm was palpable as he remarked on her commendable pronunciation of the language, stating, “Yeah, it was perfect! She’s doing great!”
The support from the princess came as Evans cycled through Wales, completing a journey that included all four nations of the United Kingdom in a bid to raise funds for children in need. His charitable efforts have been widely followed, and Kate’s message undoubtedly added a morale boost during his challenging ride.
Interestingly, the overall focus on the Welsh language has not been limited to Kate alone. Prince William has also been making strides in learning Welsh. During an event in 2022, he shared his experiences of picking up the language while visiting St. Thomas’s Church in Swansea, a centre that supports local families. William mentioned his enthusiasm for learning Welsh phrases – including bits like “paned” (which means a cup, often of tea) and “bara brith” (a traditional Welsh tea bread).
In March, during another visit to Wales, both William and Kate engaged with a local group of Welsh learners. The couple’s light-hearted exchange revealed their dedication to embracing the Welsh language, with Kate jokingly awaiting a quiz on their Welsh abilities. The camaraderie and friendly banter underscored their commitment to connecting with the local culture.
For fans of the royal family, this latest development is part of a broader narrative that sees both William and Kate actively engaging with Welsh heritage and language. Their efforts serve as an important reminder of the significance of embracing and celebrating cultural diversity within the United Kingdom.
The Princess of Wales’s surprise message has garnered positive attention and highlights her commitment to charitable causes. As she continues to support initiatives aimed at uplifting young people, Kate Middleton’s involvement reminds the public of the powerful influence of encouragement and solidarity, especially during fundraising efforts.
As Evans continues his charity challenge, the warm wishes from royal supporters like Kate Middleton can only serve to inspire him further. It is heartening to see members of the royal family taking an active interest in charity work while also embracing the unique cultures that comprise the fabric of the United Kingdom.
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