On Thursday, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team headquarters in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, as part of their two-day trip to the region. The volunteer-run organisation, which covers the central area of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park including Pen y Fan, is celebrating its 60th birthday.
William, 40, and Kate, 41, both dressed in outdoor clothing, participated in training activities such as abseiling, medical support exercises, and watching a search dog demonstration. The couple also met with current and former team members to hear about their experiences spanning the organisation’s six-decade history.
During the training activities, the royal couple tried their hand at abseiling, and William revealed that it had been a while since he had done it. Before heading over the edge, Kate, wearing a red mountain rescue coat like her husband with her hair tied in a ponytail, was heard telling William: “We’re not racing.”
After the training activities, the couple visited the nearby Dowlais Rugby Club, which is a popular spot for climbers to socialise and relax when they are off duty. There, they spoke to individual volunteers, the organisation’s supporters, and members of the local community.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are no strangers to Wales, having lived in Anglesey, an island off the north-west coast of Wales, when they were newlyweds. William was stationed there as an RAF search and rescue pilot.
Their visit to South Wales Valleys and Mid Wales comes just before their 12th wedding anniversary on Saturday. The couple will also meet the owners of the Little Dragon Pizza Van, which draws people from across the country to try its food.
The royal couple will be staying in a local bed and breakfast for the night. Their visit to Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team headquarters and the Dowlais Rugby Club highlights the importance of community support and volunteer work in the region. The Prince and Princess of Wales’ participation in the training activities and their interest in the organisation’s history demonstrates their dedication to supporting organisations that serve their communities.
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