Princess Charlotte and Prince George delighted crowds at Cardiff Castle as they showcased their musical and technical curiosity during rehearsals for the Platinum Jubilee concert taking place on the grounds.
The two young royals joined their parents on the visit to the Welsh capital on Saturday, marking their first official engagement in Wales. Despite the significance of the occasion, it was their playful participation that captured everyone’s attention.
Charlotte, dressed smartly in a navy frock coat paired with blue Mary Jane shoes and white ankle socks, was invited to conduct the orchestra during a lively rendition of We Don’t Talk About Bruno from Disney’s Encanto. As the musicians began playing, she beamed with excitement, turning to her mother, Catherine, for encouragement. The Princess of Wales, wearing a striking red Eponine coat and earrings from Welsh brand Spells of Love, also stepped in to try her hand at conducting, laughing happily as she moved to the rhythm of Sweet Caroline.
Meanwhile, George took charge in the technical booth. Wearing a miniature version of his father’s blue suit and open-necked shirt, he eagerly explored the sound and lighting equipment, asking what each button did and even turning the volume up high to everyone’s amusement. William kept a gentle arm around his eight-year-old son as they spoke with performers and later with members of the public.
George, ever the protective older brother, encouraged Charlotte to join in at several moments and was even seen leaning on her shoulder while the two watched the Wales Youth Choir for Good rehearse.
Notably absent from the family outing was their younger brother, Prince Louis, who had become an internet favourite after his animated appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour. When asked where Louis was, William explained that he was “still only four” and too young for such engagements.
Before meeting performers and crew involved in the evening’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert, the Cambridges were welcomed by Wales’ deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters MS, and the newly appointed Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Cardiff, Richard and Rhian Perry. Mr Perry said it was an honour to greet the family, noting William’s clear affection for Cardiff.
Rosaleen Moriarty-Simmonds, High Sheriff of Cardiff, also praised the royal children, recalling how well they handled meeting many new people while still enjoying childlike moments, especially when experimenting with the stage equipment.
During their tour, the family met headliners including Bonnie Tyler – recently awarded an MBE – as well as drumming weatherman Owain Wyn Evans, who entertained them after Catherine complimented his glittering outfit. Singers Aled Jones and Shan Cothi also shared greetings before the royals met volunteers from Shelter Cymru.
Hundreds of well-wishers lined the grounds to greet the family. Among them was dancer Shivani Kothegal, 14, who received a thumbs up from George when William asked what he thought of their colourful costumes. Another attendee, Siobhan Lewis, who has cerebral palsy, presented Catherine with a bouquet of Sweet Williams flowers and was moved by the warmth of the royal couple. She also shared a childhood memory of meeting Princess Diana in Budapest, which William found deeply meaningful.
Before departing, George and Charlotte met Lance Corporal Shenkin II, the goat mascot of The Royal Welsh, drawing big smiles from both children. The family then waved goodbye before returning to London to rejoin the wider royal family for the evening’s Jubilee celebrations.
Inside the castle, festivities continued with performances from Mike Peters of The Alarm, West End star John Owen Jones, Rubicon Dance Company, and the Pendyrus Male Voice Choir.