London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Mar 19, 2026

William and Kate take part in spin class on south Wales visit

William and Kate take part in spin class on south Wales visit

The Prince and Princess of Wales went head-to-head in a race during a spin class at a leisure centre.

Catherine was awarded a golden trophy after beating Prince William during a visit to Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot.

"Not sure I am dressed for this," said the princess, who was wearing a cream top, checked skirt and black boots.

They also launched a series of therapy gardens and allotments during a visit to south Wales on Tuesday.

The initiative at Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre, near Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is intended to provide mental health support and is working with Life at No.27, a horticultural therapy and mental health counselling provider.

Later, the royal couple took part in a virtual endurance challenge to see who could ride the furthest in just 45 seconds uphill in the Italian Dolomites.

On entering the room, Prince William apologised to cyclists and said: "Sorry for ruining your spin class."

Kate was presented with a trophy dubbed the Tour de Aberavon


Before climbing on to his bike, the prince joked to the princess: "You have got high heels on."

She adjusted the gears during the race and laughed: "Can I make it harder?"

After finishing, Prince William, who was breathing deeply, joked: "Talk to you in a minute."

Catherine was presented with a trophy dubbed the Tour de Aberavon.

The Princess of Wales was invited to plant some seeds at the centre near Pontyclun


On a visit to a garden at Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre, the prince laughed as he spotted some Sweet William seeds on a label.

Volunteer gardener Vanessa Townsend helped Catherine to sow the seeds, telling her: "They will flower in two years, I'll make sure you get some."

The princess was presented with a bunch of daffodils by two-year-old Cora Phillips.

Cora's mother Michelle Phillips, from Llanharan, said: "Oh my goodness, I did not expect that in a million years."

The Princess of Wales was given a bunch of daffodils by two-year-old Cora Phillips


The royal couple were also greeted by a Great Dane therapy dog called Ragnar.

Annabelle Padwick, founder of Life at No.27, said gardens were vital in offering a safe environment for those facing mental health difficulties.

"As the founder I have seen first-hand how working with therapy gardens can dramatically improve self-belief and your own mental health," she said.

The Princess of Wales arriving at the Aberavon leisure and fitness centre in Port Talbot


The Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre is a residential site for the treatment of alcohol and drug dependencies.

Residents from the wider community, who are experiencing mental ill health, low confidence or isolation, will also eventually be given access to the garden through GP referrals.

The prince and princess later visited the Welsh Air Ambulance base in Llanelli.

Sienna David, 12, from Aberavon Lifesaving in Port Talbot give flowers to the Princess of Wales


The charity celebrates its 22nd birthday on Wednesday.

Prince William spoke to the High Sheriff of Dyfed Rowland Rees-Evans, greeting him with the Welsh phrases for "good morning" and "how are you?"

Crowds of people came out in Port Talbot to see William and Kate


"I have been saying bore da and shwmae all day. I'm working on my repertoire," he told Mr Rees-Evans.

The prince and princess also visited the Welsh Air Ambulance base in Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, where they met the wife and children of a man who died in a road traffic accident.

The Princess of Wales met air ambulance crew based at Llanelli


They spoke with Laura Davies and her two children Sofia, nine, and Owen, 11, in a private meeting in the charity's new family room, which was created after the tragedy.

She said: "Arwel was a really, really special person and to have a room like this named in Arwel's memory, and for it to be recognised by Prince William and Princess Catherine, is a testament to the special person he was.

"This means a huge amount to the children, it's a lasting legacy for them as to how special daddy was."

The royal couple visited south Wales the day before St Davids Day


Amanda Berry, chief executive of The Royal Foundation, said: "Their Royal Highnesses are passionate about creating a lasting impact in the communities they visit, playing an instrumental role in bringing together local stakeholders to amplify the work of organisations, and ensure support reaches those who need it most.

"Their Royal Highnesses continue to prioritise our society's mental health and spending time in nature is known to have a range of benefits, including reducing depression and anxiety."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
GB News Faces Regulatory Complaints Over On-Air Remarks on ‘Genocide’ Claims
UK Signals Expanded Support for Gulf Allies as Iranian Attacks Intensify Regional Threats
UK VAT Decision Opens Path for Potential Refunds to U.S. Biopharma Firms
UK and Canada Advance ‘Middle Power’ Strategy to Shape Global Influence Beyond Superpowers
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Holds Back on Hormuz Escort Mission While Continuing Talks with Allies
TrumpRx Pricing Platform Faces Scrutiny as Some Medicines Remain Costlier Than in the UK
UK, Netherlands and Finland Explore Joint Defence Investment Bank to Boost Military Capability
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in Kent Raises Alarm as Cases Surge and Emergency Response Expands
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
UK Prime Minister Urges Continued Focus on Ukraine Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
UK Introduces New Safeguards to Shield Lenders from Bank Run Risks
UK Promotional Products Market Surpasses £1.3 Billion as Demand Strengthens in 2025
Reeves Pushes for Deeper UK-EU Economic Ties to Revive Growth
UK Security Adviser Saw No Imminent Iranian Nuclear Threat Days Before War Erupted
France Signals Warm Welcome for UK Return to EU Single Market Amid Renewed Cooperation Talks
UK Defence Official Criticises Boeing Over Delays to E-7 Wedgetail Programme
UK Urged to Secure Quantum Talent as Minister Warns Against Repeating AI Setbacks
UK Mayors Set to Gain New Spending Powers Under Reeves’ Fiscal Devolution Plan
Western Allies Urge Restraint as Israel Weighs Expanded Ground Operation in Lebanon
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
UK Set to Introduce Steel Tariffs of Up to 50 Percent in New Industrial Strategy
European Governments Decline Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Fears Over Iran Conflict Weigh on UK Consumer Confidence
Starmer Says UK Working With Allies on Hormuz Shipping Plan After Trump Raises Pressure
Iran War and Energy Shock Shake Britain’s Economy and Political Debate
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak at UK University Leaves Two Dead and Several Seriously Ill
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak at UK University Leaves Two Dead and Several Seriously Ill
King Charles and Queen Camilla Share Personal Tributes to Their Mothers on UK Mother’s Day
Prince William Honors Princess Diana with Mother’s Day Tribute
UK Economy Stalls in January as Households Cut Back on Eating Out
AI-Generated Singer Becomes Viral Voice for Iranians With New Anthem
London Private Club Founder Plans Exclusive Palm Beach Venue Near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago
Ed Davey Urges Britain to Build Fully Independent Nuclear Missile Capability
What the UK Covid Inquiry Is and How It Investigates Britain’s Pandemic Response
What the UK Covid Inquiry Is and How It Investigates Britain’s Pandemic Response
US Treasury Links British Polo Patrons to Alleged Venezuelan Oil Proceeds Laundering Scheme
Hundreds Gather in London Despite Ban on Annual Pro-Palestinian March
Two Dead and Multiple Students Seriously Ill After Invasive Meningitis Outbreak at UK University
UK Considers Deploying Ships and Mine-Hunting Drones to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Starmer and Trump Discuss Urgent Need to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Planned Australia Visit Draws Mixed Reaction From Local Communities
Trump Calls on France and UK to Help Safeguard Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route
Boris Johnson Labels Bitcoin a ‘Ponzi Scheme’, Sparking Debate in Crypto World
×