Sorry, there’s no welcome in the hillside, Kate
WALES ECHOES SCOTLAND’S VIEWS ON ROYALS’ TRAIN TOUR
THE health minister of Wales has criticised the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s decision to go there as Covid cases rise, saying he would prefer it if ‘no-one was having unnecessary visits’.
Vaughan Gething said he was not ‘particularly bothered or interested’ when asked during by BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if he thought the couple should still travel to Wales.
But he said William and Kate’s visit – part of a national tour by royal train to congratulate front-line workers – should not be used by people as an ‘excuse’ to say they are ‘confused’ about coronavirus regulations.
Facing an increase in coronavirus cases in Wales, Mr Gething echoed the sentiment of Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who suggested the duke and duchess travelled to Edinburgh on Monday despite their office being made aware of cross-border travel restrictions. After first saying the tour was a ‘matter for the palace’, No.10 said Boris Johnson welcomed the ‘morale boost’ it would provide.
The royal couple began yesterday’s engagements by visiting Cardiff Castle, where they spoke to university students about the mental health challenges of the pandemic.
The couple admitted they were struggling with arrangements for Christmas. ‘We are still trying to make plans. It’s difficult to know what to do for the best,’ said the duke.
After travelling via Bath, where they visited Cleeve Court Care Home, Wills and Kate had their warmest welcome yet – from royal family members.
The couple’s whistle-stop tour ended at Windsor Castle, where they were greeted by The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie and Princess Anne. The 94-year-old monarch’s appearance to thank local volunteers and key workers was her first public appearance with senior royals since before the pandemic.