Princess of pedals! Kate BEATS Prince William as they go head-to-head on exercise bikes during visit to Wales (and even does it in a £20 Zara skirt and heels!) The Prince and Princess of Wales were in high spirits as they arrived this morning Read more: Kate and William announce project to help create therapy gardens By Harriet Johnston and Jessica Green For Mailonline and Rebecca English Royal Editor For The Daily Mail Published: 07:05 EST, 28 February 2023 | Updated: 12:43 EST, 28 February 2023 e-mail 204 shares 2. 4k View comments The Princess of Wales and Prince William went head to head on exercise bikes during a visit to South Wales today - and Kate was crowned victorious despite wearing a skirt and heels. Ahead of St David's Day, the famously competitive Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the country to meet local communities as well as champion mental-health initiatives.
The royal couple took part in a spin class during a visit to Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot to hear about how sport and exercise can support mental health and well-being. After the 45-second race - in which the mother-of-three even asked if she could turn the bike’s resistance up and ‘make it harder’ - a shocked princess was declared the winner of the ‘Tour de Aberavon’ and handed a small trophy. Kate, 41, appeared in high spirits as she arrived in a smart white polo neck and a cream coat, with a patterned houndstooth £20 Zara skirt and four-inch Gianvito Rossi boots.
Kate and Prince William went head-to-head on exercise bikes during a visit to South Wales today The Princess of Wales was crowned victorious despite wearing a skirt and heels Share Follow If you make a purchase using links on this page, DailyMail. com will earn an affiliate commission Sink your teeth into the houndstooth trend with Kate's high street skirt Zara houndstooth skirt Shop Zara here Buy now The Princess of Wales has been shopping at Zara again. She's in Wales today, and whilst she stuck to a now familiar formula of a smart Alexander McQueen coat, Mulberry bag, Gianvito Rossi suede knee boots and a roll neck knit, it was Kate's skirt that really caught our attention! It's a black and white houndstooth tweed style that cost $20 and was worn by none other than Amanda Holden back in 2020.
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40 YesStyle houndstooth skirt Buy now The virtual endurance race challenged Kate and William to see who could cycle the furthest in just 45 seconds while riding uphill in the Italian mountains. Entering the cycling room, William apologised to the cyclists and said: 'Sorry for ruining your spin class,' while before climbing onto his bike, the prince joked to his wife: 'You have got high heels on. ' The princess admitted: 'Not sure I am dressed for this,' while during the race, Kate adjusted the gears and laughed: 'Can I make it harder?' After finishing, William, who was breathing deeply, joked: 'Talk to you in a minute.
' On arrival at Aberavon leisure and fitness centre in Aberavon, the Prince and Princess of Wales were met by local civic dignitaries and were taken on a tour of the building, which opened in 2016, by manager Chris Pugh and Celtic Leisure chief executive Richard Lewis. The royal couple chatted with members of the Aberavon Swimming Club, who use the 25-metre swimming pool for training. They then toured the sports hall and met children from Tywyn Primary School who were taking part in a range of indoors sports, including athletics and gymnastics.
Also present were Welsh professional athletes, including Harrison Walsh and Hannah Brier, who were taking part in the session. The Prince and Princess of Wales take part in a spin class during a visit to Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot After the 45-second race between Kate and William, a shocked princess was declared the winner and handed a small trophy Kate, 41, appeared in high spirits as she arrived donning a smart white polo neck and a cream coat, with a patterned houndstooth £20 Zara skirt Kate takes part in a spin class during a visit to Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot After the 45-second race - in which the mother-of-three even asked if she could turn the bike’s resistance up and ‘make it harder’ - a shocked princess was declared the winner of the ‘Tour de Aberavon’ and handed a small trophy The Prince (centre) and Princess of Wales speak to members of staff during a visit to Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre The princess appeared in great spirits as she chatted to staff at the centre in Port Talbot Kate and William are all smiles as they tour the centre in Port Talbot, Wales, this afternoon The Prince of Wales couldn't help but smile when greeting well-wishers in Port Talbot Kate made a beeline for a group of young girls in pretty leotards and asked them: ‘Can you do the splits?’ She revealed: ‘I was able to do it when I was little but I’ll have to keep practising now. ' Grace Evans, six, gave the couple a demonstration of the splits and Kate told her: 'My little girl likes to do that too.
’ Seven-year-old Rafael Vazquez, from Swansea, presented the prince and princess with a set of Welsh leotards for their children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. His mother, Jo Vazquez, said: 'It was wonderful to meet them, they are so genuine people and have a real interest in the community, children and sport. 'They said how interested they were in keeping leisure centres open, especially swimming as it is such a key skill for life.
' The couple began their busy day of engagements by visiting Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre, near the town of Pontyclun, where a therapy garden is currently being developed. Two-year-old Cora Phillips gave the Princess a bunch of daffodils as the couple left with the centre, with her mother Michelle, from Llanharan, saying: 'Oh my goodness, I did not expect that in a million years. ' Turning to her daughter, she said: 'We just met a princess.
We're never going to forget that. ' Ms Phillips said they live nearby and had bought daffodils ahead of St David's Day on March 1. Kate delighted a young Welsh mother and toddler today as she accepted a bunch of daffodils during a joint visit with Prince William to South Wales Ahead of St.
David's Day, the Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the country to meet with local communities as well as champion mental health initiatives The first engagement of the day saw the couple visiting a site at Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre where a therapy garden will be built Kate, who is known for her love of high street brands, regularly wears pieces from Zara, and mixes affordable labels with designer pieces Prince William was quick to greet locals at the leisure centre in Port Talbot this morning, where the couple were beaming with joy The royal mother-of-three appeared in high spirits as she arrived earlier this morning, donning a smart white polo neck and a cream coat, with a patterned houndstooth Zara skirt The royal mother-of-three swept her hair behind her ear to reveal a set of pearl drop earrings as she arrived at the leisure centre On today's occasion, Kate wore glamorous make-up with a pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye, and swept her hair behind her shoulders for the occasion Kate, who is known for her love of high street brands, regularly wears pieces from Zara, and mixes affordable labels with designer pieces. The Princess has long been a fan of the high street brand Zara, and often steps out in pieces from the Spanish retailer for royal events. The houndstooth print is one of the royal's favourites, and she regularly opts for different pieces featuring the pattern.
The choice to wear the bold print by the usually demure duchess could also be seen as a nod to Princess Diana. On today's occasion, Kate wore glamorous make-up with a pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye, and swept her hair behind her shoulders for the occasion. William admitted getting 'non-stop grief' from his wife today over England beating Wales at rugby.
He confessed Kate had been giving him stick all weekend after Wales's 10-20 defeat to England in the Six Nations rugby union championship on Saturday. The heir to the throne, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, and his wife, who holds the same position for England's Rugby Football Union, were both at the game in Cardiff last weekend supporting the rival teams. Kate was beaming as she was given some 'sweet William' seeds to plant during the visit, sharing a laugh with one of the members of staff She could be seen generously sprinkling the seeds onto a patch of soil for staff members to plant in the therapy garden Meanwhile royal mother-of-three leaned over to speak with two-year-old Cora during the visit earlier Both Kate and Will shook hands with local people who had benefited from the Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre, as well as speaking to their families The Prince and Princess of Wales were in high spirits during their visit today, both donning a daffodil ahead of St David's Day Meanwhile the royal mother-of-three joked that one rather large dog must be particularly popular during her visit to the centre today During the visit today, the couple could be seen petting a therapy dog at the centre in South Wales The couple met with staff and local families to hear about the work they do to support those struggling with the effects of drug and alcohol addiction The first engagement of the day saw the couple visiting a site at Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre where a therapy garden will be built Asked if he had enjoyed the game when the couple arrived at Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre for people with drink and drug addition near the town of Pontyclun, the Prince said: 'Not a lot.
We've been talking about it all weekend. ' Later he went further, telling one of his hosts: 'I've been getting non-stop grief all weekend about that. ' The first engagement of the day saw Kate and William hear first-hand about the work the centre does to support those struggling with the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.
Arriving at the centre they were greeted by Sue Gwyn, executive director, manager Grace Sansom and the Welsh Government's minister for mental health and wellbeing Lynne Neagle. During the visit, the couple chatted with clients and their families to learn about how the current garden facilities and the outdoors are used as part of their therapy. The couple also saw the plans for new therapy allotments and a garden which are being created thanks to the support given to social enterprise Life at No.
27 by The Royal Foundation as part of its 'community impact' pilots. Over time, Life at No. 27 intend to create six therapy allotments and gardens across South Wales that will deliver mental health support to local communities.
Near the site's current garden, William spoke to recovery manager Claire Holloway, and trustees Marc Penny and Dai McBride. They were also greeted by a therapy dog, seven-year-old Great Dane, Ragnar. The Princess of Wales during a visit to the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance charity in Llanelli The final engagement of the day saw the couple visit the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance.
Pictured, Kate The Wales Air Ambulance charity, which was founded in 2001, has completed almost 45,000 missions and is on stand-by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Pictured, Kate during a visit to the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance charity The Prince of Wales has become royal patron of the Wales Air Ambulance charity, Kensington Palace said. Pictured, Kate at the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance charity Sienna David, 12, representing Aberavon Lifesaving, gifts flowers to Kate and William before they leave the Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre Kate during a walkabout after visiting Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot William during a walkabout after leaving Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre in Port Talbot The Prince and Princess of Wales during a visit to the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance charity in Llanelli The Princess of Wales speaks to local children after visiting Aberavon Leisure & Fitness Centre William admitted getting 'non-stop grief' from his wife (pictured) today over England beating Wales at rugby.
He confessed Kate had been giving him stick all weekend after Wales's 10-20 defeat to England in the Six Nations rugby union championship on Saturday Blooming lovely! Kate's arms were filled with flowers following her walkabout in Port Talbot Stroking Ragnar, William commented on the dog's 'big ears', while Kate said: 'He must be very popular. ' Kate, who is an ardent campaigner for the benefits of the great outdoors, described how her children, especially her youngest child, Prince Louis, four, enjoy time in the garden at school and at home. 'Louis comes home and says: "I need to get my energy out",' she said.
The mother-of-three, who like William was wearing a daffodil for St David's Day, said: 'It's really good to see the pre-site. ' She told her hosts: 'Next time we are going to come back with our wellies and give you all a hand. ' She got them started by sowing some seeds for some ornamental flowers - Sweet William, much to her husband's amusement.
William laughed and turned his back before suggesting it was a long time since he had been called that. 'Not since my youth,' he smiled. The final engagement of the day saw the couple visit the headquarters of the Wales Air Ambulance.
The Prince of Wales has become royal patron of the Wales Air Ambulance charity, Kensington Palace said. The patronage was revealed ahead of William and the Princess of Wales's visit to the charity's headquarters in Llanelli. It is the first Welsh patronage to be announced for William since he was given the title the Prince of Wales by the King.
The Wales Air Ambulance charity, which was founded in 2001, has completed almost 45,000 missions and is on stand-by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. William was an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and a helicopter pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force based at RAF Valley on Anglesey. During the visit, the couple met emergency workers, volunteers and supporters and heard about their recent operations across Wales.
They also had the opportunity during the engagement to speak to emergency workers about the importance of prioritising their own mental health. Mental health support for emergency responders has long been a passion for The Prince of Wales, who in 2021 announced the launch of the Blue Light Together package of mental health support at The Royal Foundation Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium. The Prince of Wales has also previously served as both an Air Ambulance and an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
Greeting High Sheriff Roland Rees-Evans at the HQ, William said 'Bore da' and 'Shwm'ai' which means 'good morning' and 'how are you', in Welsh. William added: 'I've been saying this all day. I'm working on my repertoire.
' He told Cll
