Prince Charles leaves royal fans impressed with unexpected new skill

Georgia Farquharson
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The Prince of Wales impressed royal fans with his ability to speak Welsh during the virtual opening of a hospital in Cardiff on Monday.

Having battled the virus first-hand, Prince Charles returned to work on Monday and opened Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig, Dragon's Heart Hospital - Cardiff's temporary coronavirus hospital.

The future King adhered to social distancing guidelines by dialling in via video call and delighted locals by having a go at speaking Welsh by saying, "Llongyfarchiadau ichi i gyd," meaning congratulations to you all.

Addressing everyone in Welsh he said, "Boneddigion a Boneddigesau," which translates to ladies and gentlemen.

He continued, "First Minister, Minister, Ladies and Gentleman, I am delighted to be able to join you today, through these electronic means, to mark the opening of Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig."

Charles, 71, paid tribute to all those involved in creating the hospital as the world continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Giving his heartfelt thanks he said, "In a facility named, so evocatively and so appropriately, Calon Y Ddraig, what can I say except 'diolch o galon', and express the warmest possible thanks for what you have done, and all that you will do in this hospital, and all those other field hospitals, across Wales, where buildings have been transformed as part of the immense effort to combat the dreadful threat we face."

Like London's Nightingale hospital, Cardiff's temporary COVID-19 hospital, the Dragon's Heart - the second largest temporary hospital in the UK - was turned around in an incredibly short period of time. An achievement the Stadium Manager, Mark Williams, is extremely proud of.

"To witness the transformation of the stadium into a field hospital in just a matter of weeks is staggering. It reaffirms what is possible when people come together," he said.

“I’m immensely proud of my team for taking on this unprecedented challenge with such professionalism. We frequently transform the stadium from sports arena to music venue and back again and have seen some of the world’s biggest bands perform here, from the likes of Coldplay to the Rolling Stones, but nothing has ever been done on this scale and at this speed."

Georgia Farquharson
Georgia Farquharson

Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."

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