Princess of Wales Showcases Textile Craftsmanship During Welsh Industry Tour
The Princess of Wales has demonstrated her practical skills with needle and thread during a visit to traditional Welsh manufacturers, receiving high praise for her textile craftsmanship.
Mastering the Art of Wool Repair at Historic Mill
Arriving at Melin Tregwynt woollen mill in a vintage Welsh wool coat, the future queen immersed herself in the complete production process of this Pembrokeshire-based business. The remote mill, which specialises in creating luxury blankets and throws, gave Kate the opportunity to observe every stage from initial weaving to final finishing details.
In the quality control department, staff member Paula Harding guided the Princess through repairing a broken thread in a roll of reversible fabric. "You have to have really good eyesight and patience," Kate remarked as she carefully completed a two-inch repair. Ms Harding later expressed admiration for the royal's technique, stating: "She did it right, it's amazing, and she didn't go through the other side, that's skill – she's got the skill."
Learning that Ms Harding represented the third generation of her family to work at the mill, the Princess reflected on the importance of such continuity: "That's what's wonderful about these family businesses, they're so based on these families and intergenerations passing on these techniques."
Melin Tregwynt, which produces wool blankets retailing for up to £450, has operated for more than a century under generations of the Griffiths family before transitioning to employee ownership in 2022. The company continues to weave fabrics in the same centuries-old mill purchased by founder Henry Griffiths in 1912.
Continuing the Craft at Denim Manufacturer
The Princess continued her textile exploration at Hiut Denim, a family-owned jeans manufacturer based in Cardigan. The town has a rich denim production history dating to the 1960s, when its first factory employed over 400 people making 35,000 pairs weekly. Although that original factory closed in 2002 when production moved overseas, Hiut revived local manufacturing skills when established in 2011.
During her factory tour, Kate met with chief executive Johann von Loeper and his family before trying her hand at cutting organic Mari jeans – the company's forthcoming slim-fit women's denim line. "No pressure," she joked while undertaking the task, adding: "I love making things, so I think I would really enjoy making denims. The most adventurous I got was making a pair of pyjamas... and I don't know where they have gone now."
The Princess also stitched a "Made in Wales" label onto a pair of £245 organic Hack jeans destined as a gift for the Prince of Wales. "He will love those," she responded upon learning the trousers were intended for her husband. As mementos of her visit, Kate received both the Hack jeans for William and a pair of Mari jeans for herself.
Connecting with Local Communities
Before departing, the Princess greeted well-wishers gathered outside the factory, engaging in warm conversation with local residents. When one gentleman inquired about Prince George's wellbeing, she responded: "He's doing very well thank you. They are at school today and I am going to go back and see them this evening."
After receiving kind wishes regarding her health, Kate expressed appreciation for the experience: "Thank you very much. This is good for my soul meeting wonderful people."
Sustained Royal Interest in Textile Arts
This visit continues the Princess's demonstrated interest in fabrics and textile manufacturing, following numerous similar engagements over the past year. Her textile-focused itinerary has included:
- A tartan-weaving studio visit in Stirling during January
- Multiple visits to textile makers across Carmarthenshire, Suffolk, Kent, and Co Tyrone last year
- Examination of William Morris fabric samples at the V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, east London
Throughout her Welsh tour, the Princess of Wales displayed both genuine enthusiasm for traditional craftsmanship and practical ability that impressed experienced textile professionals, reinforcing her commitment to supporting British manufacturing heritage and family-run businesses.
