The Princess of Wales has embarked on a significant mission to champion the enduring strength and creativity of the British textiles industry, undertaking a carefully curated visit to two prominent manufacturers in Wales today.
Preserving Heritage at Melin Tregwynt
Her first engagement took her to the historic Melin Tregwynt, a woollen mill nestled in a remote, wooded valley on the picturesque Pembrokeshire coast. This remarkable enterprise has been in continuous operation since at least 1841, representing a vital thread in the fabric of Welsh industrial heritage. Today, it provides employment for more than 40 local individuals, sustaining the community and its traditions.
The mill is renowned for its extensive archive of traditional Welsh patterns, which are meticulously preserved and faithfully revived. This dedication ensures that the craft of Welsh double-cloth weaving—a specialised technique producing thick, reversible blankets with inverted patterns on each side—is passed on to future generations.
A Royal Demonstration
During her tour, the Princess met with Melin Tregwynt's director, Louise Clarke, who provided a comprehensive demonstration of the full production process. From the rhythmic clatter of the weaving machines to the inspection of the finished, high-quality products, Catherine gained a deep appreciation for the skill involved. She was also introduced to several talented young weavers who are currently learning and mastering this traditional craft, symbolising the continuity of these heritage skills.
A Modern Chapter at Hiut Denim
Later, the Princess's itinerary shifted to highlight a more contemporary facet of UK textiles with a stop at Hiut Denim. This family-owned company, based in Cardigan, designs and manufactures premium jeans entirely within the United Kingdom. The visit was arranged to underscore this modern, yet deeply rooted, chapter of British manufacturing.
Ironically, the firm was thrust into the spotlight by the Duchess of Sussex during her time as a working royal. After wearing a pair of Hiut jeans on a visit to Wales in 2018, the company experienced a surge in interest, a phenomenon widely dubbed the 'Meghan Markle effect'.
Reviving a Local Legacy
Hiut Denim brings a fresh, contemporary approach to denim while maintaining an unwavering commitment to high-quality, UK-based production. Cardigan boasts a rich heritage as a centre for jeans-making, stretching back to the 1960s when 400 local artisans produced an impressive 35,000 pairs each week. However, much of this expertise was lost when the industry moved offshore in 2002.
Founded in 2011, Hiut set out with a clear mission: to revive this craft in its hometown. The company is training a new generation of makers, ensuring the town's long tradition of meticulous craftsmanship not only continues but flourishes.
Sustainability and Community Focus
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Hiut's philosophy. Initiatives range from offering free lifetime repairs on their jeans to running the innovative 'Déjà Blue' programme, which restores and resells pre-loved denim, promoting a circular economy.
The Princess met with chief executive Johann Von Loeper to learn how the company balances ambitious growth with a responsible, community-centric ethos. The focus remains on staying firmly rooted in Cardigan while demonstrating that exceptional craftsmanship and considered design can continue to thrive competitively within the UK.
Catherine followed the production process closely and met the dedicated teams, including four young trainees working across design, cutting, and making. This interaction highlighted the company's role in bringing creative young people into the industry.
A Day Celebrating Craft and Future
The entire day was meticulously designed to achieve a dual purpose: to showcase the unique craftsmanship and rich traditions of the Welsh textiles sector, and to highlight the thriving, forward-looking businesses that are successfully attracting a new generation of talent. These enterprises are proving instrumental in preserving invaluable heritage skills for the future, ensuring the UK's textile industry remains a vibrant and sustainable part of the national economy.
