Princess of Wales makes surprise visit to Tŷ Hafan charity shop in Lampeter

The Princess, Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice, stopped at the charity’s Lampeter shop on Tuesday after completing an official engagement at Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill. According to staff, she spotted the store nearby and decided she “couldn’t be this close without popping in”.

Warm welcome for unexpected royal visitor

Tŷ Hafan’s Regional Sales Manager Maree Thomas said the visit took everyone by surprise but quickly turned into a moment they will never forget.

“Although the visit was brief, HRH took time to shake hands and be introduced to each of us,” she said. “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.”

Staff and volunteers embracing inside the Tŷ Hafan charity shop during the Princess of Wales’ surprise visit.

According to staff, the Princess told them she understood the importance of local communities supporting one another and recognised how vital Tŷ Hafan’s shops are for hospice families. She also said she loved her recent visit to the hospice and praised the “amazing work” carried out by the teams.

Despite being advised she was short on time, the Princess insisted on seeing the shop’s haberdashery section and signed the customer comments book before leaving.

There was also a moment that left staff emotional. As she prepared to go, Jenny joked that she almost hugged her. The Princess replied, “Please do,” prompting the warm embrace captured in photographs.

The Princess of Wales signing a customer comments book during an unplanned visit to the Tŷ Hafan charity shop in Lampeter.

“Everybody was overjoyed”

Tŷ Hafan’s Chief Executive Irfon Rees said the visit meant a great deal to the charity.

“How fantastic that our Patron, The Princess of Wales, popped into our shop in Lampeter and spent time chatting with staff and volunteers,” he said. “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.”

Tŷ Hafan is one of only two children’s hospices in Wales and supports around 300 children with life‑shortening conditions and around 3,000 family members each year. The charity says more than 80% of its care costs are funded through public donations, including income from its shops.

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