The Prince of Wales reminisced fondly today during his visit to North Wales, where he engaged with young residents from coastal communities.

Despite the chilly 8°C weather, 43-year-old Prince William took a morning stroll along Colwyn Beach accompanied by the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network members.

In his conversation with the enthusiastic young volunteers, he expressed gratitude alongside Gareth Cunningham, the MCS’s Director of Conservation, for their efforts in highlighting the vital role of Welsh beaches.

The visit was likely to stir up memories for Prince William, given the area’s personal significance to him.

From 2010 to 2013, the Prince served as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley located on Anglesey, off the northwest coast of Wales.

During this period, he and his wife Kate, who was absent from today’s engagement following their appearance at the Royal Variety Performance last week, resided in a rented cottage approximately 40 miles from Colwyn Bay.

William left the armed forces in 2013, later serving as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, before he stepped down to focus on royal duties in 2017.  

Today, William was hugged by Angela Jones from Conwy, a member of the public who had eagerly turned out to greet him.  

The Prince of Wales took a walk on the beach today during a visit to North Wales to meet young people living in costal communities

Today, William was hugged by Angela Jones from Conwy, a member of the public who had eagerly turned out to greet him

Wearing a navy overcoat and brown jumper, the father-of-three took selfies with onlookers and learned about the Society’s Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project, which concluded in March 2025. 

Through the project, young people engaged with the coastal communities of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay and Towyn to grow ocean literacy, improve the sustainable management of the local marine heritage, and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our ocean. 

The youth network is made up of a team of like-minded young people aged 13-25 who live both near the coast and inland and work with the Marine Conservation Society to help improve youth engagement in marine conservation across the UK. 

 After walking along a stretch of beach near the town centre, William visited a nearby restaurant and told the group from MCS: ‘I know it’s difficult to keep interest in marine things, well done for keeping going.’ 

Mr Cunningham said later about William: “There was proper engagement – you could see he was really passionate about the project and encouraging us to do more as well.”

Speaking about the significance of the waters off Colwyn Bay, he added: “The whole bay here is globally important for sea birds, it is a really important bit of coastline, but it’s about how we regenerate the sea, and how do we do that with people’s engagement?

“So it’s starting to bring back oysters and other species, that will clean up the water, but also doing it in a way that will help people’s health, their engagement, their wellbeing and their livelihoods as well.”

For his second visit of the day, His Royal Highness visited an organisation called Youth Shedz at its headquarters in Mochdre. 

William was seen enjoying a round of the card game UNO and having a go at a game of pool. 

The organisation co-creates safe spaces with young people who for some, may be experiencing complex challenges, such as school exclusion, bullying and other social issues like homelessness.

Founded in 2017, Youth Shedz works with children and young people who have faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), making it challenging for them to cope with life and school. 

Children and young people who visit the shed are able to receive support to navigate these challenges and join activities and workshops that allow them to build strong foundations for a fulfilling life.

The Prince toured the HQ and engaged with young service users, hearing how Youth Shedz has helped them build new skills, gain confidence and make a positive impact in their local community.

Prince William also attended a comedy workshop during his visit to North Wales, as the future King broke into laughter during the lighthearted event 

The event was organised by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean (right) in Llandudno

William was seen clapping and cheering for the comedy acts as he rounded out a day full of engagements in North Wales 

Today’s visit will likely be a poignant one for the royal, as the region holds important significance for him

William, 43, the Prince of Wales, visits Colwyn Bay, Wales today

The Network were involved in the Society’s Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project, which concluded in March 2025

William greeted Angela, while on a beach walk with young people who are part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network

Prince William plays pool during a visit to a Youth Shedz centre in Mochdre, near Colwyn Bay, Wales

He was seen laughing as he enjoyed playing a variety of card games, including UNO

William speaks to Scott Jenkinson, left, as he visits YouthShedz in Mochdre, Colwyn Bay

Founded in 2017, Youth Shedz works with children and young people who have faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), making it challenging for them to cope with life and school

William also attempted 3D printing and gaming before seeing the Youth Shedz’s outreach Bus ‘Betsi’, used to reach young people in the community.

Finally, the Prince attended a comedy workshop run by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, co-founder of a comedy school called Gwneud, Make, Do. 

The school was created to open doors for people across the region, in order to allow them to develop their comedic talents and open up more arts opportunities for young people, particularly those living in isolated rural locations and those from low-income backgrounds.

At the workshop, William met aspiring comedians from across the local area and heard the challenges they face in accessing opportunities within the arts in remote coastal areas.

The visit highlights the importance of celebrating the Welsh arts and providing employment pathways for the next generation in the industry.

Last week, William and Kate, both 43, joined an array of stars like Jessie J, Matt Lucas and host Jason Manford at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the Royal Variety Performance, which senior members of the Royal Family take turns to support.

Among this year’s cast was the world-famous Paddington, whom both Catherine and William were particularly taken with. The future King even remarked on the bear’s ‘yummy’ sandwich. 

Meanwhile Kate said George, Charlotte, and Louis will be jealous that she and William had a meet and greet with Britain’s beloved bear.

Prince William worked as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley on Anglesey, off the north-west coast of Wales between 2010 and 2013 (pictured 2011)

The Prince of Wales takes a selfie with a woman while on a beach walk with young people who are part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network

Despite chilly weather, William braved a walk along the beach despite the sea breeze

He learned about how to grow ocean literacy, improve the sustainable management of the local marine heritage, and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our ocean

Wearing a navy coat and brown jumper, he appeared in good spirits for a walkabout

‘Can I shake your hand? Your sandwich looks very nice,’ William asked the bear. ‘The way you were singing was totally incredible.’ And as Paddington tipped his hat, William beamed, pointing to his sandwich and saying: ‘It looks very yummy.’ 

Catherine told kids at the event: ‘My kiddies will be very sad [to have missed the show], we are going to have to keep it a big secret.’

Bringing her finger to her lips, she added: ‘They were very sad not to be joining us.’

The outing marked a rare joint ‘black tie’ evening for the royal couple, after William attended the Diplomatic Corps reception at Windsor Castle solo last Tuesday. 

Last week, he also opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds, located at the Seacroft Hospital Site. 

William paid a heartfelt tribute to the late star, telling his widow and children they should be ‘so proud’ of the ‘incredibly brave and special’ rugby player.