London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Sunday, Mar 22, 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
Meghan Markle’s Possible UK Return Sparks Renewed Attention on Sussex Role
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
Northern Lights Expected Over UK Skies Tonight Amid Strong Solar Activity
UK Condemns Iran Missile Strike and Warns Against Threats to British Personnel
UK Warns of Global Flight Disruptions as Iran Conflict Escalates Under Trump’s Leadership
UK Condemns Iran After Missile Strike Targets Strategic Diego Garcia Base
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in UK Reinforces Urgency of Vaccination Campaigns
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
UK Rules Out Cyprus Base Role in Joint US Self-Defence Framework
UK Ends Hereditary Peerage Rights in Parliament in Historic Constitutional Reform
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
UK Plans 50% Steel Tariffs in Bold Move to Protect Domestic Industry
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through UK Economy as Energy Costs and Trade Risks Surge
UK Health Officials Warn Kent Meningitis Outbreak Still Active as Cases Continue to Rise
UK Climate Progress Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance on Carbon Accounting Methods
UK Deploys Advisers to United States to Shape Plan for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Amazon Bets on AI-Driven Alexa Upgrade to Revive UK Smart Speaker Market
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
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
×