Princess of Wales makes impromptu stop at Tŷ Hafan shop

Daniel Bevan - Editor

Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.

Staff and volunteers at Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice were surprised by an impromptu visit from its Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, during a visit to Lampeter.

The Princess made the unannounced stop at the charity’s Lampeter shop while completing official engagements including at Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill and Hiut Denim Co.

During the visit, she met staff and volunteers, took photographs and signed the shop’s customer comments book.

Maree Thomas, Regional Sales Manager for Tŷ Hafan, said: “Although the visit was brief, HRH took time to shake hands and be introduced to each of us.

“She spoke with our Deputy Store Manager Jenny and our volunteers Krystyna and Rachel, saying she couldn’t be this close without popping in once she saw our store next to her official engagement.

“She thanked both the volunteers and staff, chatted while taking photos, and insisted on quickly seeing the haberdashery section despite her team advising she didn’t have time. She also signed our customer comments book.

“As she left, Jenny joked that she almost hugged her, and HRH replied, ‘Please do,’ as shown in the photos.

“HRH didn’t have time to browse or make purchases, but she spent around 10 minutes with us in our shop before heading outside to greet the crowd.

“Although the visit was brief and unplanned, HRH clearly took time out for us and was very engaged and we were thrilled to welcome her and her team.

“We were all over the moon and on a real high following this special event.

“Thank you Your Royal Highness and please do pop in again any time. We’ll always love to see you.”

Irfon Rees, Chief Executive of Tŷ Hafan, said: “How fantastic that our Patron, The Princess of Wales, popped into our shop in Lampeter yesterday and spent time chatting with staff and volunteers. Without doubt, HRH’s impromptu visit definitely left everybody overjoyed.

“On behalf of everyone at Tŷ Hafan I’d like to thank The Princess for everything she is doing for us.

“It means such a very great deal. And we’re looking forward to being able to welcome The Princess to Tŷ Hafan again in the near future.”