DWYFOR and Meirionnydd’s AM welcomed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they visited Cardiff Castle last Thursday.

The castle hosted a celebration of Welsh culture, sport and heritage - from harpists and choirs to inspirational youngsters, award winning produce and cutting edge performers – providing the couple with a ‘snapshot’ of modern Wales.

The Culture, Tourism and Sport Minister Dafydd Elis-Thomas was thrilled to be part of proceedings.

He said: “I’m delighted that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen to come to Wales as one of their first official visits since their recent engagement.

“We are very fortunate in Wales to have both a thriving cultural tradition and a vibrant, diverse offering.

"This is something we are all too keen to showcase, share and celebrate with rest the world and to do so in such prestigious company is a real privilege.

“The Welsh croeso is legendary, but our standing as a top class visitor destination, food producer, adventure hot spot, major events host and a lot more besides is also very much on the rise.

"I hope to see this visit provide a taste of the variety and quality of what’s on offer here in Wales. Indeed, our royal Welsh welcome extends well beyond this visit and we’d be only too pleased to highlight the magnificence of other parts of Wales in future.”

As part of the visit, the couple were presented with a traditional Welsh lovespoon — a gift from the Welsh Government’s historic environment service (Cadw) and Visit Wales.

The gift was presented to the couple by Harry (6) and Megan (9) from Marlborough Primary School in Cardiff.

The tradition of lovespoons dates back to the 17th Century, when wooden spoons were decoratively carved and given to suitors as a gift of romantic intent.

The unique hand-grafted gift features their initials alongside a Celtic knot, horseshoe and barley twist — said to symbolise eternal love, good luck and togetherness.

Lord Elis-Thomas added: “Our traditional lovespoon is given as a symbol of friendship, caring and good luck, and I’m delighted that Cadw has been able to offer the couple this piece of Welsh craftsmanship as a very fitting gesture from us on their first visit to Wales following their engagement.”