In a move that captured hearts across Wales and beyond, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine, delivered their first-ever fully Welsh-language video message to mark St. David’s Day on March 1, 2026. Standing side by side on the Windsor estate, adorned with daffodils — Wales’s national flower — the couple wished everyone a “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus” (Happy St. David’s Day). William opened with warm greetings, praising Wales as a “beautiful country with rich history and wonderful people,” while Kate added heartfelt words about how close Wales is to their hearts and their excitement for future visits.

This gesture was widely seen as deeply meaningful for their roles as Prince and Princess of Wales. Since taking on the titles, the couple has shown consistent commitment to embracing Welsh culture, language, and communities. The video, recorded shortly after a recent visit to mid-Wales towns like Llanidloes and Newtown, underscored their efforts to connect authentically with the principality they represent. For many Welsh speakers and royal watchers, it symbolized a modern monarchy striving to honor regional identities in an increasingly diverse United Kingdom.

However, the release sparked surprise when Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection with deep ties to Wales, offered his candid assessment. Known for his no-nonsense style from years safeguarding the royal family, Davies admitted he was “full of admiration” that William and Kate took on the challenging task of speaking Welsh publicly. He noted that most in Wales would appreciate the effort, especially from English-born royals learning a complex Celtic language. Yet, in a refreshingly honest twist, he described their attempt as “reasonable in parts,” but pointed out that “the main pronunciation was not quite there.” Comparing it to the old saying about the “curate’s egg” — good in parts but flawed overall — Davies highlighted the difficulties of Welsh phonetics, which differ significantly from English.

His comments left many surprised, not because they were harsh, but because they came from someone inside the royal security world who rarely speaks publicly. In an era where royal commentary often leans toward polished praise or outright criticism, Davies struck a balanced tone: genuine respect for the couple’s initiative mixed with constructive feedback on execution. This frankness resonated, reminding people that even well-intentioned efforts can have room for improvement — and that authenticity sometimes means acknowledging imperfections.

The message itself highlighted the couple’s growing confidence in Welsh affairs. William has been practicing the language since becoming Prince of Wales, and Kate’s participation marked her public debut in Welsh. Supporters praised it as a thoughtful nod to cultural preservation amid concerns over declining Welsh speakers. Critics, meanwhile, saw it as a positive step in bridging the monarchy with Wales’s devolved identity.

Ultimately, the episode reinforced William and Kate’s dedication to their Welsh roles. While pronunciation may not have been flawless, the intent — showing respect and affection for Wales — shone through. As one observer put it, “It’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up.” In doing so, the Waleses strengthened their bond with a nation that holds a special place in their titles and, increasingly, their hearts.