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William and Kate to visit Wales for first official visit with new titles

The prince and princess of wales will journey from holyhead to swansea on a day-long tour of the country on tuesday., article bookmarked.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales are to visit the nation for the first time since taking up their titles.

William and Kate will journey the length of Wales on Tuesday, first visiting Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales , and then travelling to Swansea in South West Wales.

The royal couple had promised to visit at the earliest opportunity following the death of the Queen, and return hoping to begin “deepening the trust and respect” they have with the people of Wales.

While in Holyhead, they will visit the local RNLI Lifeboat Station where they will meet the crew, volunteers and some of those who have previously been rescued by the team.

It is one of the oldest lifeboat stations on the Welsh coast and, across the years, members have received a total of 70 awards for gallantry.

They will then take a walk to the Holyhead Marine and Cafe Bar where they will meet people from local small businesses and organisations, including the coastguard and sea cadets.

Holyhead is only a half-hour drive from the four-bedroom farmhouse the prince and princess rented as newlyweds on the Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Mon, between 2010 and 2013 when William was an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Having made their first home together in Wales is part of why they say they hold such a “deep affection” for the country.

It is also where they raised their eldest child, Prince George , for the first few months of his life.

William’s first royal engagement, aged eight, was in the Welsh capital of Cardiff with his mother, Diana , Princess of Wales.

After leaving Holyhead, they will travel to St Thomas Church in Swansea which has transformed over the last two years into a community hub.

The church now provides vital services to hundreds of people in the city such as a not-for-profit cafe and facilities for the homeless including food, showers and toilets.

William and Kate will get a chance to meet volunteers who work in the church’s food bank and the Swansea Baby Basics initiative, which distributes essential items such as toiletries and clothing to vulnerable mothers.

Kate has previously worked with baby banks and in 2020 brought together 19 British brands and retailers to donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 such banks nationwide.

Both the princess and William will spend some time meeting members of the public gathered outside the church.

The last official visit the pair made to Wales was as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Cardiff Castle in June, where rehearsals for the Platinum Jubilee concert were taking place.

It was Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte’s first official outing in the country and the family were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers.

The siblings will not be joining their parents on Tuesday’s visit as both will be in school.

William and Kate will now be making more regular visits to Wales as part of their roles as prince and princess, and are expected back in the country before Christmas.

However sources close to the couple have confirmed there are still no plans for an investiture ceremony.

When an investiture does take place, it is unlikely to reflect the scale of the ceremony held for the then Prince Charles at Caernarfon Castle in 1969, with William and Kate thought to want a more low key event.

A spokesperson for the prince and princess said: “Right now they are focused on deepening the trust and respect they have with the people of Wales over time.”

William and Kate have spoken of wanting to use their position to advocate for the people of Wales and showcase the country to the world.

In a statement, they said they would “do their part to support the aspirations of the Welsh people and to shine a spotlight on both the challenges and opportunities in front of them”.

Adding that they would serve as Prince and Princess of Wales “with humility and great respect”.

The move to make them Prince and Princess of Wales following the death of the Queen has caused some controversy, and a petition calling for the British monarchy to end the use of the title has so far gathered over 35,000 signatures.

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Prince and Princess of Wales to visit nation for the first time since the Queen's death

• Prince of Wales
• Princess of Wales
• Tuesday 27 September 2022 at 8:16am

The Prince and Princess of Wales are to visit the nation for the first time since taking up their titles and following the death of the Queen .

William and Catherine are set to journey the length of Wales on Tuesday. They will first visit Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, and then travel to Swansea in South West Wales.

The royal couple had promised to visit at the earliest opportunity following the Queen's death, and return hoping to begin "deepening the trust and respect" they have with the people of Wales.

While in Holyhead, they will visit the local RNLI Lifeboat Station where they will meet the crew, volunteers and some of those who have previously been rescued by the team.

It is one of the oldest lifeboat stations on the Welsh coast and, across the years, members have received a total of 70 awards for gallantry.

The royal couple will then take a walk to the Holyhead Marine and Cafe Bar to meet people from local businesses and organisations, including the coastguard and sea cadets.

Holyhead is only a half-hour drive from the four-bedroom farmhouse the Prince and Princess rented as newlyweds on the Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Mon, between 2010 and 2013.

That was when Prince William was an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot. It is also where they raised their eldest child, Prince George, for the first few months of his life.

Prince William's first royal engagement was when he was aged eight, in Cardiff with his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

After leaving Holyhead, they will then travel to St Thomas Church in Swansea which has transformed over the last two years into a community hub.

It now provides vital services to hundreds of people in the city such as a not-for-profit cafe and facilities for the homeless.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will get a chance to meet volunteers who work in the church's food bank and the Swansea Baby Basics initiative, which distributes essential items such as toiletries and clothing to vulnerable mothers.

The Princess, has previously worked with baby banks and in 2020 brought together 19 British brands and retailers to donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 such banks nationwide.

The last official visit the pair made to Wales was as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Cardiff Castle in June , where rehearsals for the Platinum Jubilee concert were taking place.

It was Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte's first official outing in the country and the family were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers.

The siblings will not be joining their parents on Tuesday's visit as both will be in school.

The heir to the throne and his wife will now be making more regular visits to Wales as part of their roles as Prince and Princess, and are expected back in the country before Christmas.

However sources close to the couple have confirmed there are still no plans for an investiture ceremony .

When an investiture does take place, it is unlikely to reflect the scale of the ceremony held for the then Prince Charles at Caernarfon Castle in 1969 .

A spokesperson for the Prince and Princess said: "Right now they are focused on deepening the trust and respect they have with the people of Wales over time."

The royal couple have spoken about wanting to use their position to advocate for the people of Wales and showcase the country to the world.

In a statement, they said they would "do their part to support the aspirations of the Welsh people and to shine a spotlight on both the challenges and opportunities in front of them".

Adding that they would serve as Prince and Princess of Wales "with humility and great respect".

The move to make them Prince and Princess of Wales following the death of the Queen has caused some controversy, and a petition calling for the British monarchy to end the use of the title has so far gathered over 35,000 signatures.

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Prince William Reveals He's Learning Welsh as He Steps Into New Role as Prince of Wales

PEOPLE exclusively spoke with some locals who met the new Prince and Princess of Wales during their special visit to the country on Tuesday

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Prince William and Kate Middleton wowed the crowds in Wales.

The royals, both 40, made a lasting impression on those who lined the streets to see them Tuesday during their first visit to the country since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales , locals tell PEOPLE.

Rev. Steven Bunting, who hosted the couple at St. Thomas's Church in Swansea, home to a food bank and baby supply hub for families in need, tells PEOPLE that William is even learning the ancient national language.

"He talked about learning Welsh and shared some Welsh phrases he's trying to do," Bunting says, revealing that the prince was practicing the phrases "paned" (a cup, such as of tea) and "bara brith" (traditional Welsh tea bread).

More seriously, the reverend says it meant so much that Prince William and Princess Kate visited when they did. The couple traveled to Wales, where they lived as newlyweds , as soon as was practically possible following the death of Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 8.

"He is throwing himself into the new role," Bunting says of Prince William . "The fact that they've come straight here on day one says it all."

The day after the Queen died, William and Kate were made Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles III . At the new sovereign's request, the royal family remained in mourning until one week after her funeral on Sept. 19.

On Tuesday, the vicar led William and Kate around the redeveloped church, whose food bank supports over 200 people per week and Swansea Baby Basics , which distributes essential items across the city.

While meeting with volunteers who run programming there, Bunting says the royal couple had a "remarkable" way of making time for everyone.

"It was remarkable. The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke to everyone in the building — young and old," he says. "They are clearly committed to listening to the stories of the people in Wales. They were incredibly interested in everybody."

"You try to stick to a certain plan, but they were having none of it," he adds of guiding them around the bustling site. "They were having none of it and wanted to speak to everyone."

At St. Thomas' Church, William helped pack parcels for the food bank, and Kate did the same for a Baby Basics hamper — with a little help from Charlotte Bunting, age 2.

"She was fabulous. The kids all loved her. She doesn't talk down to them and can have a conversation — and they appreciate that," says Rachel Bunting, the wife of the reverend and mother of Charlotte, who adorably wore traditional Welsh costume as she helped Princess Kate fill a care package.

According to Rachel, who runs Baby Basics at the church, the new Princess of Wales was on something of a fact-finding mission. "She was asking about what would be helpful and what resources would be useful," she says.

Kate has been involved with the baby bank network since the pandemic began, and brought a group of companies together in 2020 to donate over 10,000 new items to 40-plus baby banks in need.

"There were a few weeks when we were starting to really struggle because we weren't getting the things we needed. But the toiletries that her initiative provided was a lifeline to those people," Rachel tells PEOPLE. "It made a huge difference."

In a larger sense, the local mom says William and Kate's Tuesday trip to Wales was incredibly positive for the community.

"We don't get royal visits here often and today made a massive difference. You can see kids everywhere and they're so excited," Rachel says. "For them, they're probably the most approachable royals. It's been a massive boost."

After leaving the church, the prince and princess greeted the crowds again and posed for selfies — something they don't usually do — spending about 25 minutes chatting with as many people as possible. At one point, Prince William had to double back to find his wife, who was so engrossed in a conversation that she fell behind.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE 's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton , Meghan Markle and more!

Janet Hewitson, 67, from Barry, South Wales, and her partner, Nigel Ford, 68, were two well-wishers lucky enough to get a photo with the future King and Queen Consort.

"They are a lovely couple — the best couple for the job," Hewitson says. Of Kate, she added, "She was talking about how she loves coming to Wales and how lovely it is."

Pauline Bushrod, 80, tells PEOPLE that Prince William noticed her hands were cold from waiting to see them in the blustery conditions and that she charmed Kate by cracking a joke about the weather.

"I said to her 'I hope you've got your thermals on' and she laughed and said 'Yes. I've been to Wales before!' " Bushrod says. "They were acknowledging everybody along here."

William was also practicing his Welsh on the way out, initially saying, "Bore da" (Welsh for "Good morning"), though no one kindly minded that it was the afternoon.

In one memorable connection, William chatted with Alan Cunningham, a former lance sergeant of the Welsh Guards, after noticing the regiment's badge on his sweatshirt.

"I might be coming back to see you more regularly," William told the 75-year-old. "There's lots to talk about."

Now, Cunningham tells PEOPLE he's looking forward to it.

"It's fantastic to see him here in Swansea as the new Prince of Wales. I'm very proud," he says.

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Prince William and wife Kate visit Wales for 1st time since getting new titles

The new Prince and Princess of Wales made their first official visit to Wales since they began using their updated titles. 

Prince William and the former Kate Middleton were named the Prince and Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II earlier this month. They were previously known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall.

William and Kate made a few stops during their Tuesday visit to Wales, which is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, beginning with an event at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Holyhead Lifeboat Station.

William sported a dark navy suit while Kate wore a knee-length red coat and wide-legged black trousers as they greeted crew members, volunteers and members of the public at Holyhead, one of the oldest lifeboat stations on the Welsh coast.

During their visit, the couple accepted flowers from well-wishers and greeted children in the crowd.

The prince and princess also met with other members of the local community, including members of the coast guard and sea cadets, at the Holyhead Marine and Café Bar.

Later in the afternoon, they visited the nearby town of Swansea, meeting with volunteers at St. Thomas Church. 

The church provides a range of services to the local community, including serving as a food bank, providing baby supplies for parents in need, and running a nonprofit café and community training kitchen, Kensington Palace said in a news release.

William is now using a title previously held by his father, King Charles III. And Kate's title was once famously held by William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. 

Earlier this month, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said that Kate “appreciates the history associated with this role” but will “understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”

“The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time,” the spokesperson said. “The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously.”

Lindsay Lowe has been a regular contributor to TODAY.com since 2016, covering pop culture, style, home and other lifestyle topics. She is also working on her first novel, a domestic drama set in rural Regency England.

Prince William, Kate Middleton Visit Wales for First Time as Prince and Princess of Wales

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Prince William and Kate Middleton made their first official visit to Wales with their newly minted titles. On Tuesday, the Prince and Princess of Wales held a series of engagements that saw them meeting with people in the community as well as learning about and visiting local charitable organizations.  

The trip also marked the end of the official royal mourning period --  following the death of Queen Elizabeth II . William, 40, wore a smart blue suit for the occasion, while Kate, 40, wore a red coat over an all-black shirt-and-pants ensemble.  

The prince and princess were greeted by well-wishers as they arrived in Anglesey, where they visited the RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station. William and Kate then showed up at Swansea, where they made a stop at St. Thomas Church, which was redeveloped and has become a food bank facility and a café for the unhoused. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales met with volunteers who have devoted their time with Baby Banks, which is an organization that Kate last worked with in 2020.  

Kate and William’s visit was met with various moments. One of the sweetest came when the Princess of Wales was gifted a small bouquet of flowers from a little boy.  

The couple are no strangers to Wales. In 2011 as newlyweds, William and Kate moved to Anglesey, and continued to live there shortly after the birth of their first son, Prince George. During that period, William worked as a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the Royal Air Force.  

A source close to the royals also tells ET that Wales is a special place for the prince. When William was eight, a then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana brought brought their son to the country for his first royal engagement.

The source adds that William and Kate will return to Wales before the year ends.

Since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, William and Kate have undertaken a series of engagements. The trip to Wales comes almost a week after the pair paid a visit to Windsor Guildhall, where they thanked the staff who helped with the queen’s committal service , which was held on the grounds of Windsor Castle.   

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William and Kate visit Wales for first time with new Prince and Princess titles

Prince William and Kate Middleton will now be making more regular visits to Wales as part of their roles as prince and princess and are expected back in the country before Christmas

• 12:48, 27 Sep 2022
• Updated 14:07, 27 Sep 2022

The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived in the country for the first time since taking up their new titles .

William and Kate will travel the length of Wales today after they visited Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales.

They will then travel to Swansea in South West Wales.

The royal couple's titles were publicly confirmed during King Charles' first televised speech to the nation.

They had promised to visit at the earliest opportunity following the death of the Queen , and return hoping to begin “deepening the trust and respect” they have with the people of Wales.

Kate, dressed in a long, red coat with a black handbag, could be seen laughing and waving at the crowds gathered at the RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station.

While there, they met the crew, volunteers and some of those who have previously been rescued by the team.

Kate also received a posy of flowers by adorable four-year-old Theo Crompton who looked stunned at meeting the royals.

It is one of the oldest lifeboat stations on the Welsh coast and across the years members have received a total of 70 awards for gallantry.

They then took a walk to the Holyhead Marine and Cafe Bar where they shook hands with people from local small businesses and organisations, including the coastguard and sea cadets.

Holyhead is only a half-hour drive from the four-bedroom farmhouse the prince and princess rented as newlyweds on the Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Mon, between 2010 and 2013 when William was an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Having made their first home together in Wales is part of why they say they hold such a “deep affection” for the country.

It is also where they raised their eldest child, Prince George , for the first few months of his life.

William’s first royal engagement, aged eight, was to the Welsh capital of Cardiff with his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

After leaving Holyhead, they will travel to St Thomas Church in Swansea which has transformed over the last two years into a community hub.

The church now provides vital services to hundreds of people in the city such as a not-for-profit cafe and facilities for the homeless including food, showers and toilets.

William and Kate will get a chance to meet volunteers who work in the church’s food bank and the Swansea Baby Basics initiative, which distributes essential items such as toiletries and clothing to vulnerable mothers.

Kate has previously worked with baby banks and in 2020 brought together 19 British brands and retailers to donate over 10,000 new items to more than 40 such banks nationwide.

Both the princess and William will spend some time meeting members of the public gathered outside the church.

The last official visit the pair made to Wales was as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Cardiff Castle in June, where rehearsals for the Platinum Jubilee concert were taking place.

It was Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte’s first official outing in the country and the family were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers.

The siblings will not be joining their parents on Tuesday’s visit as both will be in school.

William and Kate will now be making more regular visits to Wales as part of their roles as prince and princess, and are expected back in the country before Christmas.

However sources close to the couple have confirmed there are still no plans for an investiture ceremony.

When an investiture does take place, it is unlikely to reflect the scale of the ceremony held for the then Prince Charles at Caernarfon Castle in 1969, with William and Kate thought to want a more low key event.

A spokesperson for the prince and princess said: “Right now they are focused on deepening the trust and respect they have with the people of Wales over time.”

William and Kate have spoken of wanting to use their position to advocate for the people of Wales and showcase the country to the world.

In a statement, they said they would “do their part to support the aspirations of the Welsh people and to shine a spotlight on both the challenges and opportunities in front of them”.

Adding that they would serve as Prince and Princess of Wales “with humility and great respect”.

The move to make them Prince and Princess of Wales following the death of the Queen has caused some controversy, and a petition calling for the British monarchy to end the use of the title has so far gathered over 35,000 signatures.

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Prince William makes first visit to Wales since inheriting new title

LONDON - Britain's heir to the throne, William, and his wife, Catherine, on Tuesday made their first visit to Wales since becoming the new Prince and Princess of Wales.

Large crowds gathered around Holyhead Marina on the island of Anglesey, off the northwest coast of Wales, to greet the royal couple.

William inherited the title on the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, when his father - the previous prince of Wales - became king.

The visit came as media reports said William had no plans for "any kind" of investiture.

King Charles III spent time learning Welsh at university before he was crowned by his mother in a televised ceremony at Caernarfon Castle in July 1969 when he was 20.

During the elaborate investiture ceremony, the queen placed a coronet on Charles's head and helped arrange robes around his shoulders.

He pledged allegiance to his mother with the words: "I, Charles, Prince of Wales, do become your liege man of life and limb."

The domestic Press Association news agency reported that rather than planning an investiture, William was focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.

His wife Catherine, meanwhile, while conscious of the history associated with the role, wished to create "her own path", a royal source was quoted as saying in the days after the queen's death on Sept 8.

At the same time, William spoke by telephone with Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales and an avowed republican - a conversation in which the prince mentioned his "deep affection for Wales".

The prince, who previously served as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot while living on Anglesey with Catherine, "expressed his and the Princess of Wales' honour in being asked by the king to serve the Welsh people".

King Charles and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, visited Wales in the days after his mother's death as part of a tour of the UK home nations.

In a speech to the Welsh parliament, he said William's "love for this corner of the Earth" had been "made all the greater" by the years he had spent there. AFP

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Prince William Is Learning Welsh After Receiving New Title as Prince of Wales

By Emily Kirkpatrick

The Prince of Wales revealed this week that he's been brushing up on his Welsh in honor of his new role.

As the royal mourning period officially came to a close on Tuesday, Prince William and Princess Kate traveled to Wales, marking the first time they've visited the country since becoming the Prince and Princess of Wales following Queen Elizabeth's death . While there, the couple spoke with several locals, including Reverend Steven Bunting who hosted them during a visit to St. Thomas's Church in Swansea, which offers both a food bank and baby supplies to those in need. Reverend Bunting told People that he had a chat with William during which, “He talked about learning Welsh and shared some Welsh phrases he's trying to do.” He also revealed that the prince is currently working on the phrases “paned,” meaning a cup, and “bara brith,” which is a traditional Welsh tea bread.

Reverend Bunting added that the timing of the Prince and Princess of Wales's visit was especially significant to the locals as it came as soon as feasibly possible following the late monarch's passing. “He is throwing himself into the new role,” he said. “The fact that they've come straight here on day one says it all.” William and Kate also previously lived in the country when they were newlyweds in 2011. The Reverend gave the couple a tour of the church, showing them around the food bank that supports over 200 local citizens a week, as well as the Swansea Baby Basics that provides essential childcare supplies to people throughout the city. Of the visit, Reverend Bunting said, “It was remarkable. The Prince and Princess of Wales spoke to everyone in the building — young and old. They are clearly committed to listening to the stories of the people in Wales. They were incredibly interested in everybody.” He continued, “You try to stick to a certain plan, but they were having none of it. They were having none of it and wanted to speak to everyone.”

William also helped pack up some supplies at the food bank, and Kate did the same with the baby goods. Rachel Bunting , the wife of the reverend and mother of two-year-old Charlotte , who helped the princess pack up the care packages, enthused that the royal, “was fabulous. The kids all loved her. She doesn't talk down to them and can have a conversation — and they appreciate that.” She added, “She was asking about what would be helpful and what resources would be useful.” The Princess of Wales has been involved with the UK's baby bank network since the beginning of the pandemic when she brought a number of companies together to donate over 10,000 new items to over 40 organizations. “There were a few weeks when we were starting to really struggle because we weren't getting the things we needed,” Rachel explained. “But the toiletries that her initiative provided was a lifeline to those people. It made a huge difference.” She concluded, “We don't get royal visits here often and today made a massive difference. You can see kids everywhere and they're so excited. For them, they're probably the most approachable royals. It's been a massive boost.”

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Prince William shares new update on Kate Middleton after cancer diagnosis during special trip

Prince William shared a new update on his wife, the Princess of Wales, during his recent trip to Cornwall. 

The future King embarked on a solo visit to Cornwall last week paying a visit to the likes of Newquay's Fistral Beach and making a special appearance on the Isles of Scilly where he visited their only hospital. The trip marked William's first official visit to The Isles of Scilly since he took on his Duke of Cornwall title in 2022.  

During the overnight trip that saw him swap Adelaide Cottage for Cornwall, Prince William was asked about Catherine, who recently shared that she had started cancer treatment after a diagnosis that came following abdominal surgery in January.

Tracy Smith, administrator at St Mary's Community Hospital, greeted Prince William as he arrived at the medical centre and asked after Kate. She later shared details of her interaction William, revealing his update on his wife. 

According to the BBC , Tracy recalled, "I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, 'She's doing well, thanks'."

She added, "And I suggested they might like to come for a visit and bring the children. "

William went on to reveal that the Wales children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were rather envious of his seaside trip, adding, "The children are very jealous that I am here. Maybe we might come later in the year."

The Princess of Wales's cancer news was shared back in March with a poignant video shared on her and William's official Instagram account. 

In the footage, Catherine, who had not been seen publicly since Christmas Day 2023 at the time, explained that it was found that cancer had been present in her body after her planned abdominal surgery in January and that she had started a course of "preventative chemotherapy". 

She also assured royal fans that she is "well" and "getting stronger every day" but explained that she would be taking a step back from public work to focus on health and family. 

Touching on the support she has received from William during this tough time, Catherine added, "Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.

"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment. My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery."

King Charles gives Prince William a military title with close ties to Prince Harry

Prince William is now the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.

King Charles III has handed over a military role he held for three decades to Prince William in a move that is sparking controversy because of the role's close ties to Prince Harry .

Charles on Monday presented William , his eldest son, with the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in a military ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire, England.

With the title, William is now the head of the regiment that his younger brother, Harry, served in during his time in the British Army.

Harry, who now lives in the United States, served as a British Army officer for 10 years.

During his decade of military service, which ended in 2015, Harry rose to the rank of Apache helicopter commander. Known as Capt. Harry Wales in the Army, he was deployed to Afghanistan twice, from 2007 to 2008 and then again from 2012 to 2013.

In 2012, the British Defense Ministry named Harry the best front-seat pilot, or co-pilot gunner, from his class of more than 20 fellow Apache helicopter pilots.

Following the military ceremony Monday, William flew in an Apache helicopter as he left the base as the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.

The ceremony was held less than one week after Harry traveled to London from his home in California to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games , a Paralympic-style competition for wounded service members that he founded in 2014.

None of Harry's royal family members joined him at a service of Thanksgiving for the Invictus Games held at St. Paul's Cathedral on May 8. However, his maternal uncle and aunt, who are siblings of the late Princess Diana , attended the service.

Prince Harry steps out solo in London while King Charles III attends Buckingham Palace garden party

On the same day the service was held, Charles attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, and William led an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

At the time, a spokesperson for Harry told ABC News that Charles' schedule would not allow time for him to see his younger son during his London visit.

"It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme," the spokesperson said of a meeting between Harry and Charles. "The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."

A spokesperson for both Buckingham and Kensington Palaces declined to comment to ABC News.

The last time Harry and Charles saw each other was in February, when Harry flew to London to visit Charles after the palace publicly shared that Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer.

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Prior to that visit, Harry had not seen his 75-year-old father since the king's coronation last May at Westminster Abbey.

Prince William, Kate Middleton mark 13th anniversary with never-before-seen wedding photo

Harry is also not known to have seen William -- with whom he has a strained relationship -- since the coronation, during which William played a major role and Harry sat in the audience with other royal family members.

Harry stepped down from his role as a senior working royal in 2020. Since then, he and his wife Meghan , the Duchess of Sussex, have settled in California with their two young children, Archie and Lilibet, and become financially independent, taking on new roles in the entertainment and philanthropy worlds.

The Sussexes on Sunday completed a tour of Nigeria , which came at the invitation of the country's Chief of Defense Staff, its highest-ranking military official.

Much of the trip focused on Harry and Meghan's interactions with Nigeria: Unconquered, a nonprofit organization that is affiliated with the Invictus Games.

Harry also met with injured service members at a local military hospital during the three-day visit.

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Prince William plays beach volleyball as he begins overnight trip to Cornwall - best photos

The prince of wales is visiting newquay.

The Prince of Wales has begun his first overnight trip since his wife Kate's cancer diagnosis was revealed in March, with the father-of-three welcomed by the crowds on Fistral Beach in Newquay. 

During the first day of his two-day visit to Cornwall, Prince William, 41,  took part in an impromptu game of volleyball and happily posed for selfies with well-wishers. 

And the future king even admitted that he was desperate to get his wet suit on and get out in the sea to try a bit of surfing! 

Earlier in the day, Prince William's first port of call in Cornwall was to Nansledan in Newquay, the site where the Duchy of Cornwall’s first homeless housing project will be built.

The project, delivered alongside Cornish charity St Petrocs, will provide 24 homes with wraparound support for homeless people.

William met the development’s leaders and the chief executive of St Petrocs, Henry Meacock.

Construction will begin in September this year, and land for the homes is being provided by the Duchy.

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William viewed plans for the housing project upon arrival.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "Since the project was announced in February, work on the Innovative Housing Project in Nansledan has been progressing at pace. Designs are being finalised and construction is set to start on site in September, with completion by autumn 2025. 

"Today, marks the first time that The Prince will see the site of the new homes. He is looking forward to hearing from the Duchy team about how the work is progressing and from St. Petrocs about the impact the project will have on people experiencing homelessness locally. 

"Both His Royal Highness and the Duchy hope that this project will serve as an inspiration to others."

Last year, William launched Homewards – a five-year programme led by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales which aims to end homelessness.

While viewing the plans, William spoke to Max , a local who has experienced homelessness himself. "There's always hope," said Max.

"That's what we genuinely want to do," the Prince said, "Give people like you hope. But it's got to be real and it's got to be effective. Is there anything you can pick out, any key ingredients, that would make it work?"

He added that there so many cliches around what homelessness meant and that for many - young people and families in particular - it involves lives moving from one B&B or shelter to another rather than rough sleeping.

By the end of their chat, William was delighted to hear that Max was in a "good place" and planning to join the Royal Navy.

The new homes in Nansledan have been designed by local practice ALA Architects, with input from the  Duchy, St Petrocs and the Homewards expert panel. The homes are designed to be in keeping with the  quality and character of Nansledan, to provide residents with dignity and help them settle into their new  community from day one.

William was greeted by a large crowd as he visited Fistral Beach, where he met representatives from local organisations who are working to promote safety in the sea and across the beach area, ahead of the forthcoming summer months.

The father-of-three spent time with Holywell Bay and Newquay Surf Life Saving Clubs which trains and supports volunteers to save lives and prevent drowning in open water. 

William watched demonstrations of training programmes taking place on the beach, including a group practising CPR.

In between chatting with the life saving club and lifeguards and staff from the RNLI, William couldn't resist having a go at beach volleyball. 

Afterwards Beck, 13, said: "I can’t believe he stopped to play with us, it was amazing. And he’s got a good serve!"

William also made nine-year-old Phoenix Kanes' day as he secretly signed his plaster cast and told him: "Shhh, don't tell anyone. I'm not meant to do that!"

Phoenix's mother said afterwards: "We didn't realise that he shouldn't have done it. We will definitely be keeping the cast as a souvenir after he has it taken off on the 17th of May. I can't believe it!"

What is the Duchy of Cornwall?

The Duchy of Cornwall is one of the largest and oldest landed estates in Britain and was created in 1337 by Edward III to support his son and heir Prince Edward, known as the Black Prince, and all his subsequent heirs.

It extends across 23 counties in England and Wales and includes the Oval cricket ground and 67,000 acres of Dartmoor.

LISTEN: The reason why Meghan and her children don't want to visit the UK just yet

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Prince William Shares Update On Kate Middleton's Health Amid Cancer Diagnosis

LONDON (AP) — Prince William on Friday offered a positive assessment of his wife’s health, a hospital administrator said, in one of the royal’s few comments about Kate’s condition since she announced that she was undergoing treatment for cancer .

William was on a solo tour of St. Mary’s Community Hospital on the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the Cornish coast in southwestern England. He traveled there to break ground for a new building that will include inpatient treatment beds and a maternity suite.

“I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, ‘she’s doing well, thanks,’” hospital administrator Tracy Smith told reporters. “And I suggested they might like to come for a visit and bring the children.”

The Princess of Wales stepped away from public duties after announcing on March 22 that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. In a video message, she said she had begun chemotherapy.

The news came after King Charles III , her father-in-law, announced his own cancer diagnosis . Charles returned to public-facing duties last week after Buckingham Palace said doctors were encouraged by his progress, even as his treatment continues.

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Kate 'doing well', says Prince William in update after her cancer diagnosis

The heir to the throne spoke about his wife's health and also revealed his children were "very jealous" of his visit to the Isles of Scilly - his first since becoming the Duke of Cornwall.

Friday 10 May 2024 19:15, UK

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Kate is "doing well" following her cancer diagnosis, Prince William has said.

The heir to the throne gave the update on his wife's health on his first visit to the Isles of Scilly since becoming the Duke of Cornwall.

Tracy Smith, administrator at St Mary's Community Hospital in Hugh Town, greeted William when he arrived and hosted his tour of the small medical centre following his visit to the harbour where he bought his entourage Cornish pasties.

Ms Smith said: "I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, 'she's doing well, thanks,' and I suggested they might like to come for a visit and bring the children."

William told her: "The children are very jealous that I am here... Maybe we might come later in the year."

He was given a card for his father the King - also a cancer patient - and Kate by Matron Lynda McHale, who said: "It was a card from my granddaughter who wanted to wish his father and wife 'get well soon'."

Kate revealed she was undergoing cancer treatment in a video statement in March.

The Duchess of Cornwall said of her diagnosis at the time: "This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

"But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay."

As the duke, William receives an income from the Duchy of Cornwall - a portfolio of land, property and investments - which owns much of the Isles of Scilly and nearly a third of residential buildings.

Read more on Sky News: King jokes about being 'allowed out of my cage' Royals invite young double amputee to palace

During his visit to the archipelago, the prince treated his staff to a round of Cornish pasties from the harbour cafe.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Asked what type he wanted, William replied "traditional", and asked for five.

As everyone in the cafe laughed, he quickly added: "They're not all for me."

He added: "It does smell delicious in here."

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He also donned a wetsuit to go swimming in the waters around Tresco - where it is rumoured he spends breaks with his family.

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The photos capturing Swansea's royal visits through the years and the stories behind them

From granting Swansea city status to official openings, they have been here for some big moments

• 09:48, 12 MAY 2020

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Swansea has been given the royal seal of approval by the UK's most regal family many times in its history.

From being granted official city status, to some big moments like the opening of the old Morfa Stadium, Swansea University's Bay campus and the city's main leisure centre, twice, the Royal Family has been on hand for some big moments in Abertawe's history.

We've taken a look back at just some of the occasions when the city has been graced by royalty, and the reasons behind their visit.

Prince Charles makes Swansea town a city - 1969

Swansea was granted city status in 1969, to mark Prince Charles's investiture as the Prince of Wales.

The announcement was made by the prince on July 3 1969, during a tour of Wales.

The Queen opens the original Swansea Leisure Centre - 1977

The Queen opened the original Swansea Leisure Centre during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977, and hundreds of families turned out on the day to greet her.

It  featured modern and ground-breaking facilities, such as the first wave machine to be installed in a leisure centre in Wales.

It became one of Wales' top leisure facilities and a substantial tourist attraction. At its peak it attracted more than 800,000 users annually.

It also had the immensely popular red and yellow slides, the peashooter and the spacebowl.

The Queen officially opens Morfa Stadium - 1989

Constructed and in use from 1980, Morfa Stadium was officially opened on April 20, 1989 by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. 

The facility featured a fully-sized pitch, where various sports would be played, and an athletics track. 

It was used as a residential training facility for Swansea Harriers Athletics Club, which has produced numerous local, national, international, Commonwealth, Olympic and world competitors.

It has now been transformed into Morfa Retail Park.

Watch our video of the most recent royal visit to Swansea

Three princes attend thanksgiving service - 2002

Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry visited St Mary's Church for a Golden Jubilee thanksgiving service in June 2002.

They had flown from London into Swansea Airport, where they were met by the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Bob Hastie and South Wales Police Chief Constable Sir Anthony Burden.

Dressed smartly in navy blue suits, Prince Charles, a favourite in Swansea since he made it a city in 1969, and his sons, were greeted at St Mary's Church by St Mary's vicar Canon Alun Evans and the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon the Right Reverend Anthony Pierce.

At the start of the service, the Right Rev Pierce made sure he told the congregation, and particularly Prince William and Prince Harry, the latest score of the England versus Sweden game.

Delighted Swansea families got the chance to meet Prince Charles and his sons as they greeted the crowds following the service. Around 3,000 people turned out to welcome them to Swansea.

The Queen returns to open The LC - 2008

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, once again returned to the city to reopen the leisure centre, re-branded as The LC, following a massive £32m makeover.

The LC has gone from strength to strength, and, just like it did in the '70s, continues to attract people from all generations in their droves to use the gym and pool facilities, as Wales's biggest indoor waterpark.

It is soon to have a new neighbour. As part of the £135m Swansea Central phase one scheme, a new 3,500 capacity arena is being constructed on the site of where Oystermouth Road car park currently sits.

Princess Anne takes in city's history - 2010

Princess Anne took in some of the city's rich history in 2010 when she visited National Waterfront Museum.

As part of her visit to the museum, she met pupils from Danygraig Primary School, and received a book on Swansea’s copper-working history.

She also visited wedding dress specialists Benjamin Roberts in Fforestfach, as well as Hazel Court residential complex in Sketty Park.

Prince Charles visits Swansea Market - 2012

Prince Charles visited Swansea’s  famous indoor market in 2012 which was packed with Christmas shoppers and those eager to get a look at the royal.

After being handed a hamper which included cockles, mussels and laverbread, he met stall holders.

He appeared to be surprised by its size and quizzed many stall holders about their wares, at one point sharing his penchant for sheep’s cheese.

He prompted some chuckles when he peered at a row of slippers at Swansea footwear, and asked if they were all from China.

Prince Charles opens Swansea University Bay campus - 2016

he official opening of the new £450 million Swansea Bay campus was carried out by Prince Charles in July 2016.

The Prince paid a visit to the campus off Fabian Way having been directly involved in the ambitious project from the start through his The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community enterprise.

His tour saw him attend part of a gala concert by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, with soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, in the impressive Great Hall where he gave a brief speech, praising the campus and Welsh football success, before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

He then met invited guests from the area before going on a tour of the campus, stopping to talk to students along the way, and finished off with a visit to the state-of-the-art research facilities in the campus’s impressive engineering quarter.

The Duke and Duchess tuck into a city favourite - 2020

During a visit in 2020, Prince William and Kate Middleton did what practically every resident of Swansea has done at some point - had a Joe's ice cream.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in Mumbles as part of a visit to south Wales which was also taking in Port Talbot .

First they headed to Mumbles RNLI, before a walkabout which eventually took them to Joe's ice cream parlour.

And neither could resist a try, but like everyone on their first taste of the famous ice cream - they needed a moment to take it all in.

"Talk amongst yourselves for a bit," said the Prince after trying his ice cream, and clearly wanting to savour it.

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Prince William's Solo Trip Signals Big Step After Kate Middleton's Diagnosis

As Catherine, Princess of Wales continues her recovery after her shocking cancer diagnosis , William, Prince of Wales has been getting back to business as usual. Prince William is heading out on a trip by himself, and this will be his first time staying away from his family overnight during Kate Middleton's treatment.

William is heading to Cornwall and will be there May 9 and 10. While there, he plans to visit the land where the Duchy of Cornwall's new housing project will be located. The project entails supplying more than 20 new homes to unhoused folks in Newquay. 

William's trip is clearly for a good cause, but beyond the wonderful project he'll be learning about, this trip also seems to indicate some good news for his family. Over the course of the past few months, William has attended a few public engagements. For the most part, though, the prince has been at home where he has reportedly been caring for his family as Kate receives chemotherapy treatment. The fact that William feels comfortable leaving home for two days can only mean that things are getting a bit better for his family at home. 

William and Charles' public engagements seem like good news

It doesn't come as much of a surprise that Prince William is choosing now to head out on an overnight public engagement. It seems clear that the royals are increasingly eager to put the past few months of health struggles behind them and get back to their royal duties. In late April, King Charles III shut down chatter claiming that his health was further deteriorating after his cancer diagnosis, announcing that he's heading back to public duties this spring and summer. Around this same time, William went back to work, as well. On April 30, William headed to a new suicide prevention center in Newcastle, followed by a manufacturing plant that creates low-carbon concrete. 

Evidently, William isn't just getting back to his job as a working royal; he's also making the causes that matter most to him clear. After a few months of less-than-ideal optics and PR for the royal family, showing where their priorities for the community lie is a step in the right direction. It's also comforting to see that William's family is in a position to handle a few days without his care. This comes just a week after a fan at one of William's appearances asked about his family , and he replied, "All doing well." The royals certainly can't be accused of being too transparent with the public these days, but it seems that this positive assessment of his wife and kids' wellbeing may be true.

Prince William provides rare update on Kate's condition, Harry and Meghan visit Nigeria

Prince William has offered a positive assessment of his wife's health, according to a hospital administrator, in one of the royal family's few public comments about Princess Catherine's condition since she announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer .

The prince, who is also the Duke of Cornwall, made the comment during a solo tour of St Mary's Community Hospital on the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the Cornish coast in south-western England, on Friday.

"I asked William about his wife Kate and he said, 'She's doing well, thanks,'" hospital administrator Tracy Smith told reporters.

"And I suggested they might like to come for a visit and bring the children."

The Princess of Wales stepped away from public duties in March after announcing she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer and was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

It followed months of public speculation about the princess's health after she spent two weeks in hospital following abdominal surgery in January, speculation that only intensified after Kensington Palace released a photo of her and her family that was later shown to have been digitally altered .

Princess Catherine said she was well at the time of her cancer announcement. However, the couple's office has said it will not be providing regular updates on her health.

The princess's announcement came after King Charles III, her father-in-law, announced his own cancer diagnosis the previous month.

King Charles returned to public-facing duties last week after Buckingham Palace said doctors were encouraged by his progress, even as his treatment continues.

The king made an appearance at a military training college in Minley, in southern England, on Thursday, joking with soldiers that he had been "allowed out of my cage" for the visit.

Harry and Meghan promote education, mental health in Nigeria

Charles and William were not the only royals making public appearances this week.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in Nigeria on Friday amid pomp and dancing to champion mental health for young people affected by conflict and to promote the Invictus Games, which the prince founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick soldiers and veterans.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were visiting the West African nation for the first time on the invitation of its military, began their three-day visit with an appearance at a girls' school that receives support from their foundation, before going on to meet with the nation's military officers.

They were also due to meet with wounded soldiers and their families in what Nigerian officials said was an effort to improve the morale of the country's military, including soldiers fighting a 14-year war against Islamic extremists in the country's north-east.

At the Lights Academy school in Abuja on Friday, the couple was received by a dancing troupe and a crowd of excited students and teachers.

"We've got to acknowledge those amazing dance moves!" the duchess said. "My husband was excited to jump up!"

They then went into the classrooms to interact with the children, who showed them robot cars they had built.

They spoke to the students about mental health, and about their own children, Archie and Lilibet.

"In some cases around the world … there is a stigma when it comes to mental health. Too many people don't want to talk about it," Prince Harry said.

"So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health?"

Meghan praised her husband's openness.

"You see why I'm married to him?" she said of Prince Harry amid cheers, before urging the schoolchildren to never be ashamed of their experiences in life.

The news of the duchess' visit excited some in Nigeria, where her life — and association with the British royal family — is closely followed.

She has said in the past that she found out through a genealogy test that her heritage is 43 per cent Nigerian.

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Why Prince Harry will not visit King Charles III in London this week

Prince Harry and King Charles III will not be having a family reunion while the Duke of Sussex is in London this week.

Harry is in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Invictus Games, which he brought to London in 2014. To mark the milestone, he'll be attended a panel discussion with the organization on Tuesday and on Wednesday, he will attend a celebration at St Paul’s Cathedral along with veterans involved in the various Invictus Games sports.

"In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme," a spokesperson for Harry told USA TODAY in a statement Tuesday. "The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Buckingham Palace.

Charles, who returned to his public duties on April 30 after taking a step back from treatment  for an undisclosed form of cancer , is also booked on Wednesday.

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Buckhingham Palace is hosting the first Sovereign's Garden Party of the season, with Charles expected to attend.

Charles' visit to a cancer treatment center was "the first in a number of external engagements" coming up, although his schedule won't immediately return to what it was before his diagnosis, according to the palace.

Outings "will remain subject to doctors' advice," but "it will not be a fullsummer program," they added.

Prince Harry visited King Charles III in February following his father's cancer diagnosis

Although Charles and Harry are not crossing paths this week, they did have a private reunion in February after the palace confirmed the king was diagnosed with "a form of cancer." Before the announcement he was hospitalized and underwent a procedure for  benign prostate enlargement  in January, and the cancer was identified via diagnostic tests after a "separate issue of concern was noted."

"I spoke to him. And I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could," the Duke of Sussex said on " Good Morning America " in a segment that aired on Feb. 16 of the moment he learned about his father's health.

He continued, "I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane, go and see him, and spend any time with him – I'm grateful for that. … I've got other trips planned that will take me through the U.K., or back to the U.K., and so I'll stop in and see my family as much as I can."

When asked about the state of his father's health, Harry said, "That stays between me and him."

Prince Harry's tense relationship with King Charles, Prince William

Harry discussed his relationship with the royal family in his memoir "Spare," published in January 2023, accusing them of providing unflattering information about other members to the press in exchange for positive coverage. He  also recalled his  father and brother,  Prince William , saying didn't know why he left.

"If they didn't know why I'd left, maybe they just didn't know me," he wrote. "At all. And maybe they never really did. … How can I tell them? I can't. It would take too long. Besides, they're clearly not in the right frame of mind to listen. Not now, anyway. Not today."

In an interview with  ITV in 2023 , Harry said he hoped to reconcile with Charles and William after their rift but alleged that "they've shown absolutely no willingness to reconcile."

But Harry also  told "60 Minutes ," "I look forward to having a relationship with my brother. I look forward to having a relationship with my father and other members of my family."

Contributing: KiMi Robinson ,  Erin Jensen ,  Brendan Morrow