Prince William Pays Visit to London Welsh School
Royal in Hanwell to support Team Wales ahead of Commonwealth Games
The Prince of Wales with staff and pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain. Picture: Kensington Palace
July 9, 2026
Hanwell received a royal boost this Tuesday (7 July) as Prince William, the Prince of Wales, paid a special visit to Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain (The London Welsh School), joining pupils in sending their best wishes to Team Wales ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The visit brought excitement to the historic Hanwell Community Centre, where the school is based, as the Prince spent the day meeting pupils, teachers and athletes, and taking part in lively activities designed to celebrate Welsh culture and sporting pride. His appearance formed part of a wider effort to rally support for Welsh competitors before the Games begin on 23 July, running through to 2 August.
One of the highlights of the visit was Prince William’s introduction to Finnie, the official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Games. The encounter sparked cheers from pupils, who watched the Prince share a playful moment with the character before joining in classroom activities and sports-themed workshops. According to royal commentators, he praised the children’s creativity and enthusiasm, noting that their messages of support would provide a welcome morale boost to athletes preparing for competition.
The visit also shone a spotlight on the unique role of Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain, founded in 1958, which remains one of the UK’s most important centres for Welsh language and cultural education outside Wales. The independent primary school offers a fully bilingual curriculum, ensuring that children from Welsh families living in London maintain fluency in the language and a strong connection to their heritage.
Royal correspondent Rebecca English noted that the Prince showed a keen interest in how the school preserves Welsh identity in the capital, speaking at length with staff about the challenges and rewards of bilingual education. The school’s close-knit community, supported by parents and volunteers, has long been recognised for its commitment to maintaining high standards in Welsh language teaching.
The Prince of Wales talks to members of the Welsh Commonwealth Games team. Picture: Kensington Palace
Prince William’s visit comes at a pivotal moment, with Team Wales entering final preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
For Hanwell, the day offered a rare blend of royal engagement, cultural celebration and sporting anticipation — and for the pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain, a chance to share their pride in Wales with the future king.
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