Prince William and Kate Middleton.Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty
Prince WilliamandKate Middletonwowed the crowds in Wales.
The royals, both 40, made a lasting impression on those who lined the streets to see them Tuesday during theirfirst visit to the countrysince becoming thePrince and Princess of Wales, locals tell PEOPLE.
“He talked about learning Welsh and shared some Welsh phrases he’s trying to do,” Bunting says, revealing that the prince was practicing the phrases “paned” (a cup, such as of tea) and “bara brith” (traditional Welsh tea bread).
More seriously, the reverend says it meant so much that Prince William and Princess Kate visited when they did. The couple traveled toWales, where they lived as newlyweds, as soon as was practically possible following the death ofQueen Elizabethon Sept. 8.
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“He is throwing himself into the new role,” Bunting says ofPrince William. “The fact that they’ve come straight here on day one says it all.”
While meeting with volunteers who run programming there, Bunting says the royal couple had a “remarkable” way of making time for everyone.
Kate Middleton and Charlotte.Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty
“It was remarkable. The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke to everyone in the building — young and old,” he says. “They are clearly committed to listening to the stories of the people in Wales. They were incredibly interested in everybody.”
“You try to stick to a certain plan, but they were having none of it,” he adds of guiding them around the bustling site. “They were having none of it and wanted to speak to everyone.”
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“She was fabulous. The kids all loved her. She doesn’t talk down to them and can have a conversation — and they appreciate that,” says Rachel Bunting, the wife of the reverend and mother of Charlotte, who adorably wore traditional Welsh costume as she helped Princess Kate fill a care package.
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“There were a few weeks when we were starting to really struggle because we weren’t getting the things we needed. But the toiletries that her initiative provided was a lifeline to those people,” Rachel tells PEOPLE. “It made a huge difference.”
In a larger sense, the local mom says William and Kate’s Tuesday trip to Wales was incredibly positive for the community.
“We don’t get royal visits here often and today made a massive difference. You can see kids everywhere and they’re so excited,” Rachel says. “For them, they’re probably the most approachable royals. It’s been a massive boost.”
After leaving the church, the prince and princess greeted the crowds again and posed for selfies — something they don’t usually do — spending about 25 minutes chatting with as many people as possible. At one point,Prince Williamhad to double back to find his wife, who was so engrossed in a conversation that she fell behind.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images
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Janet Hewitson, 67, from Barry, South Wales, and her partner, Nigel Ford, 68, were two well-wishers lucky enough to get a photo with the future King and Queen Consort.
“They are a lovely couple — the best couple for the job,” Hewitson says. Of Kate, she added, “She was talking about how she loves coming to Wales and how lovely it is.”
“I said to her ‘I hope you’ve got your thermals on’ and she laughed and said ‘Yes. I’ve been to Wales before!’ " Bushrod says. “They were acknowledging everybody along here.”
William was also practicing his Welsh on the way out, initially saying, “Bore da” (Welsh for “Good morning”), though no one kindly minded that it was the afternoon.
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In one memorable connection, William chatted with Alan Cunningham, a former lance sergeant of the Welsh Guards, after noticing the regiment’s badge on his sweatshirt.
“I might be coming back to see you more regularly,” William told the 75-year-old. “There’s lots to talk about.”
Now, Cunningham tells PEOPLE he’s looking forward to it.
“It’s fantastic to see him here in Swansea as the new Prince of Wales. I’m very proud,” he says.
source: people.com
