On February 24, 2011, Prince William and Catherine Middleton undertook their first official engagement as a couple, marking a significant step in their public life together. The visit took place at Trearddur Bay in Anglesey, North Wales, where they participated in the dedication of a new Royal National Lifeboat Institution lifeboat, the ‘Hereford Endeavour’.
The choice of Anglesey for this inaugural engagement held personal significance for the couple. At the time, Prince William was stationed as an RAF search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley, with the couple residing in a secluded farmhouse on the island as their residence. Additionally, Prince William had requested their first Royal engagement as a couple was on the island.
For the occasion, Miss Middleton wore a cream tailored coat, with brown velvet trim, paired with a black feathered fascinator. Prince William wore a dark suit and winter coat.
The couple met with RNLI volunteers who funded the new boat at the charity’s branches at Leominster and Herefordshire.
During the ceremony, Catherine christened the lifeboat by pouring champagne over its bow, a traditional maritime practice. William and Catherine then joined the crowds in singing ‘God Save The Queen’, followed by the Welsh anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
At the lifeboat dedication ceremony, the Prince spoke briefly in Welsh to applause from the crowd. He then added: ‘In my short time as a search and rescue pilot I have been privileged to work with Aubrey Diggle and other volunteers of the Trearddur Bay life boat. I realise, as we all do at RAF Valley, what a vital part this new lifeboat plays in our combined effort to save people from the sea. And the Trearddur Bay crew themselves have to thank the generosity of the RNLI fundraising branches here – ably chivvied by Jack Abbott – and across the county of Herefordshire for this superb new rescue platform.
‘I know I join everyone here in praying that Hereford Endeavour will keep them safe while they save others. God speed you in your dangerous, gallant work’.
Turning to his new fiancée, William commented: ‘It gives me great pleasure to be introducing to this relationship (between the Royal family and RNLI), here and now, someone who is not only about to join the family but is also about to become an Anglesonian’.
Catherine christened the lifeboat during her and William’s first engagement. (RNLI/X)
The event attracted approximately 2,000 well-wishers, reflecting the public’s keen interest in the couple ahead of their wedding. Their appearance was met with enthusiasm, with the crowd cheering as they engaged in a walkabout, greeting attendees and accepting gifts.
William and Catherine’s first engagement was the first of many public appearances for Catherine, who would go on to become a central figure in the Royal Family’s public engagements. It also underscored the couple’s connection to Wales, a relationship that has continued to evolve over the years.
