Royal Train Tour Recap: Day Two

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ended their Royal Train Tour after stopping in Wales and the United Kingdom before reuniting with senior members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle.

At Cardiff Castle early Tuesday morning, William and Kate met with students from Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales to discuss how they’ve handled the pandemic and to hear about their mental health since the lockdowns began.

While at Cardiff Castle, the royal couple took part in a toast-your-own-marshmallow session at a firepit and then played a game of Secret Santa gift exchange with students.

“William was too busy talking to us and managed to burn his and Kate got a bit stuck on her glove, and they were making fun of each other which was nice to see,” said Lily Faulkner, a student, to People magazine.

“They asked how the pandemic has impacted our wellbeing. From the start, they asked specific questions about how students are doing and what is being done on our behalf. The fact that they put the effort in on this issue helps lift it and be recognized that this is worth talking about,” said Alice Holloway, another student to People.

In the Secret Santa gift exchange, the Duchess received a Welsh love spoon, and the Duke received a beer glass coaster set. The couple gave a Prosecco Pong drinking game and a mini-football set.

Before leaving Cardiff, the royal couple took in a performance by the Welsh Samba Band and heard more about how they have been supported by the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Next, William and Kate travelled to Bath for a visit to the Cleeve Court Care Home to meet residents and carers at the facility and heard how they have been affected by the pandemic.

The royals were also treated to a performance by the Bath Abbey Choir. The director of the group later spoke exclusively to Classic FM.

“We feel very privileged to be able to offer our talents to bring joy to others, and especially for those in the care home. Music can bring such comfort to people during this difficult and dark year we’ve experienced together,” said Huw Williams.

On their second-to-last stop, the royal couple then travelled to Reading and visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital—where Kate was born—to thank the nurses there and hear more about their experiences throughout the pandemic.

After asking the medical staff about their mental health, William said, “’Keep going. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Sarah Lupai, an Enteral Nutrition Clinical Nurse Specialist said, “They were both asking about our mental health and how we are doing and about our well-being. They were very thankful for what we have done.

“I said hoping 2021 will be a better year and it needs to be a better year and we really need a break. They said the whole world needs a break next year for everyone’s mental health and well-being.”

Finally, William and Kate stopped off at Windsor Castle to join The Queen, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Earl and Countess of Wessex and The Princess Royal for a socially-distanced photocall and a socially-distanced party to thank key frontline workers.