During their visit to Cardiff, Kate Middleton paid a special tribute to Welsh football legend Gareth Bale by recreating his signature celebration.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Fitzalan High School as part of their day of royal visits, where they also met members of the Windrush Generation to celebrate Black History Month.
Showing her appreciation for Welsh culture, Kate formed her hands into a heart shape, mimicking Bale’s celebration after scoring a goal.
Bale, who hails from Cardiff, is widely regarded as the best Welsh footballer of all time and had a successful career at Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, as well as leading the national team to their best-ever result in Euro 2016. He retired earlier this year.
In addition to their visit to the school, William and Kate engaged in a friendly game of table tennis with members of the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum for Wales. The competitive couple, known for their love of sports, took on each other in a doubles match and had a great time.
They even compared their table tennis games to the character Monica from the popular TV show Friends, describing it as a mental game that can go on for hours.
Throughout the day, the couple interacted with school children and elders, embracing the opportunity to connect with the community. They received a warm welcome from enthusiastic royal fans, shaking hands, exchanging fist-bumps, and high-fiving the young supporters.
Moreover, they expressed their gratitude towards the Windrush Generation for their contributions to shaping UK society and listened to their stories.
This particular visit took place at the Grange Pavilion in Grangetown, a community facility that was developed through a partnership between various organizations.
The pavilion serves as a meeting place for the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum, Windrush Cymru Elders, and Black History Cymru 365 for Wales. It offers a community café, employment and training opportunities, and plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and supporting the community.
The Windrush Cymru Elders group, established by Race Council Cymru, aims to address the concerns and needs of ethnic minority elders while recognizing the contributions made by the Windrush Generation and people of African descent in Wales.
The Prince and Princess of Wales spent time with the elders, learning about their experiences and the impact they have had in Wales over the past 75 years.
They also met with members of the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum, a youth advisory panel for Race Council Cymru. Comprised of young people aged 11-25, the forum strives to be a voice of change for minority ethnic groups in Wales.
Lastly, the royal couple engaged with young people from the Somali community, specifically the Wales Somaliland Youth Links and Cardiff Bay Warriors FC, to explore community projects, including youth unemployment and fostering friendships between Cardiff and Somaliland.
Throughout the day, Kate displayed her elegant style, wearing a Holland Cooper pinstripe suit paired with golden earrings.
Her warm demeanor and animated interactions with the public added to the joyous atmosphere of the visit.
Overall, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ visit to Cardiff showcased their genuine interest in Welsh culture, their competitive spirits, and their dedication to engaging with diverse communities and celebrating important historical events such as Black History Month.
