The Princess of Wales has been warmly praised for her impressive needlework abilities during a hands-on visit to a historic Welsh woollen mill. Kate demonstrated a keen eye and steady hand as she participated in fabric repair work at Melin Tregwynt in Pembrokeshire, showcasing her genuine interest in traditional textile craftsmanship.
A Royal Visit to Welsh Heritage
Arriving at the remote Pembrokeshire mill in a stylish vintage Welsh wool coat, the future queen immersed herself in the complete production process of the renowned blanket and throw manufacturer. From observing the intricate weaving techniques to examining the finishing details added to luxurious fabrics, Kate showed particular fascination with the centuries-old methods preserved at this family-run business.
Hands-On Textile Experience
In the quality control department, staff member Paula Harding offered the Princess the opportunity to repair a broken thread in a roll of reversible cloth. Bending carefully over the fabric under guidance, Kate remarked on the precision required, noting "You have to have really good eyesight and patience" for such delicate work.
Completing a small two-inch repair with notable skill, Kate earned genuine admiration from the experienced mill worker. Ms Harding later commented enthusiastically about the royal visitor'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."
Celebrating Family Traditions
Learning that Ms Harding represented the third generation of her family to work at the mill near Fishguard, the Princess expressed appreciation for such continuity. "That's what's wonderful about these family businesses," Kate observed, "they're so based on these families and intergenerations passing on these techniques."
Melin Tregwynt itself represents this tradition perfectly, having been operated by generations of the Griffiths family for over a century before transitioning to an employee-owned trust in 2022. The company maintains its reputation for exceptional quality, with wool blankets commanding prices up to £450, all produced in the same centuries-old mill purchased by founder Henry Griffiths in 1912.
Royal Textile Enthusiasm
During her workshop tour, where staff demonstrated edge-stitching on sewing machines as one of the final production stages, Kate confessed to recent sewing practice. "I was trying some sewing at Christmas time – I was very slow," she admitted with characteristic humility.
This visit forms part of the Princess's broader engagement with textile heritage across Britain. Over the past twelve months, Kate has developed a notable portfolio of visits to weaving mills and manufacturers, including:
- A tartan-weaving studio in Stirling visited this January
- Textile makers in Carmarthenshire, Suffolk, Kent, and Co Tyrone toured last year
- The V&A East Storehouse in Stratford, east London, where she examined a William Morris fabric sample book
These engagements demonstrate the future queen's genuine commitment to understanding and supporting Britain's textile heritage, combining royal patronage with personal interest in craftsmanship that has defined communities for generations.
