SCHOOLCHILDREN were among many members of the community who welcomed HRH the Prince of Wales to Newport yesterday, and were wished a merry Christmas by him in return.
Prince Charles was visiting Newport’s Tredegar House as part of a whistle-stop tour around South Wales.
On arrival, the Prince was met by pupils of Gaer Infants school, singing carols in Welsh and English.
He chatted to members of the community including representatives from Gwent Police, Newport City Homes, National Trust and Friends of Tredegar House.
Judith Rice, of Friends of Tredegar House, said: “He was lovely and casual and made us all feel very much at ease.”
Pupils from Duffryn Infants School presented the Prince with handmade Christmas cards. Tyrone Probert, 6, said: “I gave him the card and he said thank you. There was one for the Prince and one for the baby George.”
He was shown around the National Trust-run house and told about Lord Tredegar, who once lived there.
Walking out to the gardens, he was greeted by the Duffryn Community Allotment group who grow food in the grounds.
Jane Lewis, of Duffryn Community Link, said: “They’ve all been so excited, it’s lovely the kids have been able to be involved.”
The Prince met members of St. Mary’s Girl Guide group who will be working toward the new Tredegar House Challenge badge. Carys Parselle, 14, said: “He was far more laid back than I’d expected.”
Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, was among many people there meeting the royal visitor for the first time.
He said: “I welcomed him to Newport in Welsh and he said ‘Diolch yn fawr’.”
Joanna Cartwright, Tredegar House general manager, said: “It was real pleasure to take the Prince around Tredegar House and show him all the wonderful things being done here by ourselves and our partners.”
The visit ended with a reception with members and volunteers of Prime Cymru, The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise in Wales, which helps people over 50 to develop businesses.
The Prince also visited Bridgend and a newspaper office in Abergavenny yesterday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel