Prince William braves a chilly walk down memory lane on the beach in North Wales where he worked as an RAF pilot
The Prince of Wales took a walk down memory lane during his visit to North Wales to meet young people living in coastal communities today.
William, 43, braved eight-degree temperatures for a walk on Colwyn Beach this morning with members of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network.
Today’s visit is likely to be touching for the royal family, as the region is important to them.
Between 2010 and 2013, Prince William worked as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley on Anglesey, on the north-west coast of Wales.
At the time he and his wife Kate, who was absent from today’s visit after a trip to the Royal Variety Performance last week, were living in a rented country house about 40 miles from Colwyn Bay.
William left the armed forces in 2013, later serving as a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and resigned in 2017 to focus on royal duties.
Today William was embraced by Angela Jones from Conwy, a member of the public who greeted him enthusiastically.
Wearing a navy blue coat and brown sweater, the father of three took selfies with the audience and received information about the Association’s Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project, which was completed in March 2025.
The Prince of Wales took a walk on the beach today during his visit to North Wales to meet young people living in coastal communities
Today William was embraced by Angela Jones from Conwy, a member of the public who greeted him enthusiastically.
Through the project, young people have engaged with the coastal communities of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay and Towyn to improve ocean literacy, sustainable management of local marine heritage and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our ocean.
The youth network consists of a team of like-minded young people aged 13-25, living both near-shore and inland, who work with the Marine Conservation Society to help increase young people’s involvement in marine conservation across the UK.
For his second visit of the day, His Majesty visited the headquarters of the Youth Shedz organization in Mochdre.
William was seen enjoying the UNO card game and playing billiards.
The organization creates safe spaces with young people who, for some, face complex challenges such as exclusion from school, bullying and other social issues such as homelessness.
Founded in 2017, Youth Shedz works with children and young people who have faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that make it difficult for them to cope with life and school.
Children and young people who visit the lodge can receive support to overcome these challenges and participate in 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, listening to how Youth Shedz helps them develop 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, and the future King burst into laughter during this enjoyable event
The event was organized by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean (right) in Llandudno.
William was seen clapping and cheering for comedy acts as he wrapped up a day full of events in North Wales.
Today’s visit is likely to be touching for the royal family, as the region is important to them.
William, Prince of Wales, 43, visits Colwyn Bay in Wales today
The network was involved in the Community’s Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project, which concluded in March 2025.
William greeted Angela as she walked along the beach with young people who are part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network.
Prince William plays billiards during his visit to the Youth Shedz center in Mochdre, near Colwyn Bay in Wales
He was seen laughing as he enjoyed playing various card games, including UNO.
William talks to Scott Jenkinson, left, as he visits YouthShedz at Mochdre in Colwyn Bay
Founded in 2017, Youth Shedz works with children and young people who have faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), making it harder for them to cope with life and school
William also tried 3D printing and gaming before seeing ‘Betsi’, the outreach bus that Youth Shedz uses to reach young people in the community.
Most recently, the Prince attended a comedy workshop run by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, co-founder of the comedy school Gwneud, Make, Do.
The school was created to open doors for people in the area to enable them to develop their comedic talents and provide more arts opportunities for young people, especially those living in isolated rural areas and those from low-income backgrounds.
At the workshop William met up-and-coming comedians from the local area and heard about the challenges they face accessing arts opportunities in remote coastal areas.
The visit highlights the importance of celebrating Welsh arts and providing employment pathways for future generations in the industry.
Last week William and Kate Both 43, they join a host of stars Jessie J., Matt Lucas and the host Jason Manford at the Royal Albert Hall London Joined by senior members for the Royal Variety Performance Royal Family support in turn.
This year’s cast included the world-famous Paddington, to whom both Catherine and William were particularly interested. The Future King even pointed out the bear’s ‘delicious’ sandwich.
Meanwhile, Kate said George, Charlotte and Louis would be jealous of her and William getting to meet and greet with England’s beloved bear.
Prince William worked as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley on Anglesey, on the north-west coast of Wales, between 2010 and 2013 (image 2011)
The Prince of Wales takes a selfie with a woman while walking on the beach with young people who are part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Youth Ocean Network
Despite the cold weather, William managed to go for a walk on the beach despite the sea breeze
She learned how to increase ocean literacy, improve sustainable management of local marine heritage, and promote the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our ocean.
Wearing a navy blue jacket and brown sweater, he appeared to be in good spirits as he went for a walk
‘Can I shake your hand? ‘Your sandwich looks very nice,’ William asked the bear. ‘The way you sang was completely incredible.’ William was beaming as Paddington took off his hat and pointed to his sandwich, saying: ‘It looks delicious.’
Catherine told children at the event: ‘My children will be very upset [to have missed the show]We’ll have to keep this a big secret.’
He put his finger to his lips and added: ‘They were very sad that they couldn’t join us.’
The trip marked a rare joint ‘black tie’ night for the royal couple after William attended the Diplomatic Corps reception alone at Windsor Castle last Tuesday.
Last week he also opened the Rob Burrow Motor Neurone Disease Center at Seacroft Hospital Grounds in Leeds.
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.
