Kate and William pet goats during farm visit in Wales and say they are getting their children into farming

Royal visit to Abergavenny and Blaenavon
PA

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting their children involved in farming, Prince William has revealed on a day out to Wales to mark St David’s Day.

The future Prince and Princess of Wales were visiting a goat farm in Llanvetherine, near Abergavenny and shared how Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had helped with their animals during half term.

It is thought the family were up in Norfolk, where Prince Charles has been working to turn the Queen’s Sandringham estate into a fully organic operation.

As they toured Pant Farm, where Gary and Jess Yeomans, both 50, produce goats milk that has supplied a local cheesemaker for the past two decades, William spotted a robot silage sweeper in one of the barns.

Gary explained it could also be used to move feed and the Duchess replied: “That was George’s job at half term – moving feed.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visit Wales
Getty Images

William told his hosts the children had been getting involved on the farm and added: “We are trying some Agroforestry as well.”

The method involves planting crops in between rows of trees to provide healthier soil, higher yields and vital homes for wildlife.

The Duke studied agricultural management at Cambridge University in 2014, but it seems the Duchess also has farming running in her veins.

Kate, who wore a red scarf, daffodil and Gold Medium Twist Hoops by Welsh brand Spells of Love, told her hosts: “I was looking into my ancestry and there was someone who was a rare breed goat farmer. I will have to find out which on it was. It was just after the First World War.”

Prince William also commented on the couple’s new sporting rivalry following Wales’s narrow defeat to England in the Six Nations on Saturday, where Kate, as patron of England Rugby, triumphed over her husband, patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

“She’s wearing a Welsh scarf today though,” said the Duke. “It’s a good family rivalry.” Gary told him: “George is going to have to come on your side.”

ROYAL-BRITAIN
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

“Don’t worry,” replied William. “He’s already there.”

After arriving about 20 minutes behind schedule due to bad weather in London, the royal couple cooed over some five-week-old goats in a barn, with one keen to nibble on the future King’s finger as he stroked them,

“Ow! That definitely got my finger there,” he laughed. “They’ve got slightly larger teeth at the back!”

The Duke also heard how they were following in the footsteps of the Prince of Wales, who joined Gary and Jess for tea and Welsh Cakes at the farm in 2002.

Commenting on the animals, William said: “They look in very healthy condition, the goats. Very glossy coats.”

Gary explained how his wife Jess was in charge of kid-rearing, and his long-time vet Matthew Pugh added: “Women tend to be much better at lambing and kid rearing. They are more attentive to detail, not quite as slapdash.”

The royals were told the goats breed seasonally but also in the Autumn to “keep the milking coming”.

Kate and William matched in khaki jackets as they toured the farm.

The royal couple also visited the town’s market to hear more about local businesses and made Welsh cakes with youth club members at Blaenavon Hwb in Torfae.

In line with tradition for St David’s Day in Wales, the pair wore daffodil pins.

The pair shared a message to the people of Wales on St David’s Day
Instagram / @dukeandduchessofcambridge

The couple also took part in a “plant a tree for the Jubilee” initiative in Blaenavon as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy which was created to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign.

Earlier this morning, the Duke and Duchess wished the people of Wales a Happy St David’s Day on Instagram.

They wrote “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus” which is the Welsh translation of the greeting.

The post added: “See you soon to learn all about the role of small businesses in local communities - from farm, to market, to table - and how young people’s opportunities are being improved by charities and engaging projects across Wales.”

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