Prince William to Visit North Wales Coastal Communities: A Focus on Youth and Marine Conservation
The Prince of Wales, Prince William, is set to embark on a significant visit to North Wales, shedding light on the lives of young people in coastal communities. This trip holds a special significance for the prince, as it takes him back to the region where he once served as a search and rescue helicopter pilot in the RAF.
During his visit, Prince William will engage with various initiatives aimed at empowering youth and promoting marine conservation. He will join a beach walk in Colwyn Bay alongside members of the Marine Conservation Society's Youth Ocean Network, a group of young individuals dedicated to enhancing youth involvement in marine conservation across the UK.
The prince will also meet volunteers and participants of the Hiraeth Yn Y Mor project, a community-led initiative that concluded in March 2025. This project focused on engaging young people in coastal communities such as Prestatyn, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay, and Towyn, with the goal of increasing ocean literacy, improving sustainable management of local marine heritage, and highlighting the positive impact of spending time by the sea on mental wellbeing.
One of the key stops on Prince William's itinerary is Youth Shedz, a charity founded in 2017 that provides a safe haven for young individuals facing challenges such as school exclusion, bullying, and homelessness. The prince will visit the Youth Shedz headquarters in the village of Mochdre and interact with young people who have gained new skills, built confidence, and made a positive difference in their communities.
Additionally, Prince William will attend a comedy workshop run by Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean, co-founder of Gwneud, Make, Do. This comedy school aims to foster comedic talents and expand art opportunities, particularly for individuals from low-income households or those residing in rural coastal areas. The prince will meet with Ms. Pritchard-McLean and aspiring comedians to understand the challenges they face in accessing artistic opportunities in remote coastal regions.
Prince William's visit to North Wales underscores his commitment to supporting youth development and marine conservation. His presence in the region serves as a reminder of his own experiences as a search and rescue pilot, further emphasizing the importance of his work in these coastal communities.