The Prince of Wales faced criticism over his Welsh pronunciation just hours before a major royal event, prompting fresh scrutiny of his role.
Prince William received backlash after releasing a video message in Welsh to mark St David’s Day. Language experts, including Dr Dylan Foster Evans, Head of the School of Welsh at Cardiff University, highlighted errors in his pronunciation and suggested he needs more practice to speak the language fluently.
Dr Foster Evans noted that William has held the Prince of Wales title for some time, adding, “People might expect him to do more than read a few seconds from an autocue, especially given Welsh's official status in Wales since 2011.”
In his message, released by Kensington Palace on March 1, William praised Wales’ history, culture, and people, stating, “From its breathtaking landscapes to its language, Wales continues to inspire.”
The controversy surfaced ahead of William’s solo visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, marking another challenge in his royal duties.
