Prince William admits there’s still ‘long way to go’ in wife Kate

Prince William admits there’s still ‘long way to go’ in wife Kate Middleton’s cancer recovery as he makes solo visit –

Prince William greets well-wishers while departing from a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School©

Prince William admits there’s still ‘long way to go’ in Kate’s cancer recovery as he steps out for first solo visit to Wales
The Princess of Wales has completed her course of chemotherapy
The Prince of Wales opened up about his wife the Princess of Wales’ cancer journey as he spent the day carrying out engagements in Llanelli, South Wales.

“It’s good news but there is still a long way to go,” he told well-wishers during a walkabout in the market town.

William’s appearance comes one day after his wife released a touching family video featuring her husband and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – in which she revealed she has completed her course of chemotherapy and will be returning to work this autumn.

The Prince, 42, who was rocking his new fuller beard, was on splendid form as he arrived at a primary school to meet pupils who had taken part in the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod, a week-long festival celebrating Welsh language and culture.

The second engagement of his day took him to the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters, followed by a visit to the local Scarlets Rugby Union team to celebrate the Welsh female rugby players.

Prince William arrives for a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School to meet pupils who took part in the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod© Getty
William’s arrival
Crowds had gathered outside Swiss Valley Community Primary School ahead of William’s arrival, laden with cards and gifts to give to the Prince following the joyous news that his wife Kate has finished chemotherapy.

Sandra Peters, 79, clutched a letter she had written to Kate. She said: “I just wrote I’m so happy you’re in recovery. I’m just a little old lady from Swiss Valley Park. I admire your bravery, your family is all so beautiful.”

Barry Wilkins, 54, a removal man, put a giant statue of a dragon on his front lawn to welcome the Prince. “I’m just so glad Kate is getting well again, I’m happy for their family,” he said. “William is our Prince of Wales so I wanted to show our support with the dragon.”

Prince William arrives for a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School to meet pupils who took part in the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod© Getty
“Bore da”
William was met by a school representative as he pulled up at Swiss Valley Community Primary School.

“Bore da,” he said, which means “Good morning” in Welsh.

He was led into the school hall where dozens of pupils had assembled and were seated on the floor.

They enthusiastically cheered and waved Welsh flags as he walked in, with William returning their waves.

William met pupils who had taken part in the 2024 Urdd Eisteddfod, a festival organised by the National Voluntary Youth Organisation that involves young people taking part in a range of activities, from art, music composition, drama and sport to dancing, singing and reciting.

The Prince was treated to performances by some of the pupils who had taken part in the festival, including ten-year-old Ruby Davies who won the individual reciting competition for Welsh learners.

Ruby presented the royal with friendships bracelets she had made for his children. “That’s so sweet,” he told her. “Did you put them together yourself? They’re going to wear those, you’ll see them out and about.”

He added: “I’ll keep them away from Louis because he’ll try and steal all his sister’s bits.”

The Prince also told Ruby he had watched her video “several times”, adding: “Charlotte loves her performing and dancing as well so I am going to show her your video when I get home.”

Prince William greets well-wishers while departing from a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School© Getty
Mini walkabout
Before leaving, William took part in a mini walkabout, where he met members of the local community.

The father-of-three was particularly taken by one little girl who stood out in the crowd in a pink jacket.

“Thank you very much, very much appreciated,” he told well wishers.

One local, Diane Griffiths, told him: “It was so good to see Catherine looking well, you have a beautiful family.” William, who is learning Welsh on language app Duo Lingo, replied, “Diolch,” meaning “Thank you.”

Prince William departs after a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School© Getty
“Still a long way to go”
Speaking to one well-wisher, Pauline Thomas, 74, William admitted: “It’s good news but there is still a long way to go.”

In his wife Kate’s video released the day before, the Princess, 42, said: “Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.

“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.”

Prince William during a visit to Parc y Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets Rugby Union team© Getty
Warm welcome
The Prince was given a warm welcome as he entered the stadium for a presentation-giving ceremony.

Prince William presents a brooch to a former player from the WRU’s Missing Caps campaign© Getty
Missing Caps campaign
He was given the honour of presenting caps and brooches for the WRU’s “Missing Caps” campaign to former players who were historically missed when they played for Wales.

The campaign aims to track down female Welsh players who were ‘capped’ by the Wales Women’s team during their games, from the first Women’s International match in 1987 to the present day. Records from the era prior to the women’s game being fully incorporated into the WRU are incomplete with many player names missing.

Prince William poses with former players who have received WRU’s Missing Caps campaign brooches during a visit to Parc y Scarlets© Getty
Group photo
After handing out the brooches, William posed for a big group photo.

Since the campaign’s launch in 2021, 50 women have been awarded their caps at ceremonies across Wales.

The WRU believes that there are at least another 27 women who have played for Wales and who they are yet to find, who deserve their rightful place in Welsh rugby history.