Princess of Wales offers personal health update as she says public support is ‘good for my soul’

The Princess of Wales offered a touching health update to members of the public during her Welsh visit today, describing her encounters with well-wishers as nourishing for her spirit.

Speaking outside a factory in Cardigan, Catherine told one man who wished her continued recovery: “Thank you very much. This is good for my soul, meeting wonderful people.”

The exchange came after the man enquired about her wellbeing following her health challenges.

Catherine underwent abdominal surgery in January 2024, subsequently revealing two months later that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

Princess of Wales offers personal health update as she says public support is ‘good for my soul’

Her treatment concluded by September that year, and she announced in January 2025 that she had entered remission.

When asked about Prince George, the princess responded warmly: “He’s doing very well, thank you. They are at school today, and I am going to go back and see them this evening.”

Earlier in the day, Catherine had visited Melin Tregwynt, a historic woollen mill nestled in a remote corner of Pembrokeshire near Fishguard.

The princess arrived wearing a vintage Welsh wool coat, appropriate attire for touring the facility renowned for its premium blankets and throws.

The Princess of Wales met members of the public

Staff guided her through the entire production process, from weaving through to the finishing touches applied to their fabrics.

In the quality control department, Catherine was invited to repair a broken thread in a roll of reversible cloth under the guidance of employee Paula Harding.

After completing a small two-inch repair, Ms Harding praised her technique: “She did it right, it’s amazing, and she didn’t go through the other side, that’s skill – she’s got the skill.”

The princess remarked during the task: “You have to have really good eyesight and patience.”

The Princess of Wales sewing a ‘Made in Wales’ tag onto a pair of jeans

Catherine’s afternoon took her to Hiut Denim, a family-run jeans manufacturer in Cardigan with deep roots in the town’s textile heritage.

The area has produced denim since the 1960s, when a local factory employed over 400 workers crafting 35,000 pairs weekly before closing in 2002. Hiut revived those skills when it launched in 2011.

The princess met veteran cutter Claudio Belotti, who brings five decades of experience to his craft, before trying her hand at cutting organic Mari jeans.

“I love making things, so I think I would really enjoy making denims,” she said, joking there was “no pressure” as she worked.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to Hiut Denim, a family-owned company based in Cardigan

Catherine also stitched a “Made in Wales” label onto a pair of £245 organic Hack jeans destined as a gift for Prince William.

“He will love those,” she remarked upon learning the trousers were for her husband.

Catherine has demonstrated a sustained passion for British textiles and craftsmanship through numerous visits to manufacturers across the country.

Over the past 12 months, she has toured weaving facilities in Carmarthenshire, Suffolk, Kent and County Tyrone.

In January, she explored a tartan-weaving studio in Stirling, and last year examined a William Morris fabric sample book at the V&A East Storehouse in Stratford.