Welsh language described as ‘fiendishly difficult’ in People mag article on Prince of Wales

The Welsh language has been described as ‘fiendishly difficult’ in a People magazine article about the Prince of Wales.

The piece in the celebrity, human-interest and gossip publication referred to Charles learning Welsh at Aberystwyth University, which was portrayed in season three of The Crown on Netflix.

It heaped praise on the royal because he “showed off” his “impressive foreign language skills” when he spoke French in his opening remarks as he virtually joined President Emmanuel Macron of France at the One Planet Summit on the environment.

The article went on to say that French isn’t the “only other language” he has spoken in public and described his 20 with lessons from Dr Edward ‘Tedi’ Millward at the Welsh university.

It said: “The 72-year-old royal showed off his impressive foreign language skills on Monday.

“Prince Charles virtually joined President Emmanuel Macron of France at the One Planet Summit, where the royal delivered his opening remarks in French.

“French isn’t the only other language that Prince Charles has spoken in public.”

 

‘Fiendishly tricky’ 

It added:  “As the Prince of Wales, he learned the fiendishly tricky Welsh language when he was 20 with lessons from Dr. Edward ‘Tedi’ Millward — and their relationship and studies were portrayed in season three of The Crown on Netflix.

“In April, Charles also showed Millward’s teaching hadn’t been wasted when opening an emergency field hospital in Cardiff, Wales, known as the Ysbyty Calon Y Draig (Dragon’s Heart Hospital).”

Charles said: “In a facility named, so evocatively and so appropriately, Calon y Ddraig, what can I say except ‘diolch o galon,’ (heartfelt thanks),”

He said by video link. “Llongyfarchiadau ichi i gyd. (Congratulations to you all.)”

His message at the summit translated to: “I am most touched to have been invited to join all of you, at the start of this year of hope, for this vitally important One Planet Summit.

“I can only congratulate you, Dear President, for providing such a crucial opportunity to galvanise ambitious, but practical action to address the critical challenges facing this planet, which we all share with the rest of nature.”