Prince William’s Welsh Speech Criticised by Language Professor
Prince William’s recent St. David’s Day speech in the Welsh language has come under scrutiny from language professor Dr. Dylan Foster Evans, who expressed disappointment in the royal’s linguistic abilities. Dr. Evans, who heads the School of Welsh at Cardiff University, expected more from the Prince of Wales than just reading briefly from a teleprompter. During an appearance on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Dr. Evans described Prince William’s Welsh as “halting” and raised concerns about his pronunciation.
In his video message to mark St. David’s Day on 1st March, Prince William aimed to honour Wales, its rich history, culture, and people. Despite receiving praise for his efforts to speak in Welsh, Dr. Evans believes that as the future Prince of Wales, Prince William should display more proficiency in the language, especially considering Welsh’s official status in the country since 2011. Dr. Evans underscored the importance of practice in improving language skills, acknowledging Prince William’s attempt while noting room for improvement.
While Prince William has shared his use of the language-learning app Duolingo in the past, he is currently not undertaking formal Welsh lessons. Dr. Evans pointed out that while Prince William was generally clear in his message, his pronunciation could be refined with more practice. He emphasised the need for real-world interaction to grasp the nuances of a language effectively.
In contrast to Prince William’s language-learning approach, his father, King Charles, underwent formal Welsh lessons at Aberystwyth University in 1969 before his investiture as the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle later that year. King Charles’ fluency in Welsh set a significant precedent as the first monarch since Elizabeth I with proficiency in the language, highlighting the importance of linguistic skills within the royal family.
Prince William’s recent visit to Wales with his wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, showcased their engagement with local communities, including those affected by severe flooding from Storms Bert and Darragh in late 2024. During their visit, the royal couple participated in activities such as assisting in the preparation of traditional Welsh cakes, fostering connections with local traditions and people.
While Prince William’s linguistic journey may still be in progress, his efforts to engage with Welsh culture and language demonstrate a commitment to his future role as the Prince of Wales. As Dr. Evans noted, continued practice and immersion in real-life language contexts will be pivotal in enhancing Prince William’s proficiency over time. The royal couple’s interactions with Welsh communities exemplify their dedication to fostering strong relationships and understanding with the people of Wales.
In navigating his language-learning journey and royal responsibilities, Prince William’s experiences in Wales reflect a broader commitment to honouring the country’s heritage and engaging with its diverse communities. As linguistic proficiency continues to be a focal point of his royal duties, Prince William’s dedication to learning Welsh serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the royal family and the people of Wales.