Princess of Wales sends Welsh-language message to Radio 2 cyclist
Catherine, Princess of Wales, recorded a message entirely in Welsh for BBC Radio 2 presenter Owain Wyn Evans on the final day of his charity bike ride, according to Hello! magazine.
The ride is the 4 Nations Cycle Challenge, raising money for BBC Children in Need, the charity that runs the BBC's annual appeal for young people. Evans set off from Glasgow on Monday, 9 November, and was due to finish in Cardiff on Friday, 13 November. Over five days he cycled nearly 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. Hello describes it as the longest-distance fundraising challenge ever undertaken for Radio 2.
The Princess's message is short. In English, it reads: "Hi Owain, it's Catherine, you're doing so well. Keep going! Wishing you all the very best!"
Welsh is the first language of a minority of people in Wales, and the Princess has spoken it in public before. In March, she and Prince William, the Prince of Wales, recorded a joint St David's Day message, St David's Day being Wales's national day, on 1 March.
The Princess's office has not been reported as saying why she chose Welsh for this message. Evans's ride ends in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, which may be part of the reason.
For listeners, the appeal is simple. Donations to Children in Need go to projects for young people across the UK. Evans's total will be known once the appeal closes.
