THE Prince of Wales visited the Turf and The Racecourse Ground during his visit to Wrexham on Saint David's Day.
His Majesty has been visiting the city (March 1) today to celebrate Welsh culture and the city’s vibrant community spirit.
Upon arrival, the Prince of Wales was welcomed into the oldest public house at any sports stadium in the world alongside landlord Wayne Jones.
There, he met with one-half of the Reds owners, Rob McElhenney.
His Royal Highness discussed the "exciting" journey Rob and co-chairman Ryan Reynolds have been on with the club since the takeover in 2021, as well as hopes for the future, with Wayne joking that the club will be in the Champions League in the years to come.
The Prince of Wales was then introduced to some locals at the Turf, Trevor and Alan Roberts, Paul Davies, and Paul Jones.
His Majesty spoke about his beloved Aston Villa, and where his support for the Midlands side came from. He also quizzed the locals on their love of Wrexham and its football club.
MORE LIKE THIS:
- LIVE: Updates as Prince of Wales visits Wrexham on Saint David's Day
- Prince of Wales to visit Wrexham today to celebrate St David's Day
- Rob McElhenney in Wrexham for Prince William's St David's Day visit
His Royal Highness asked the four gentlemen whether they ever thought the recent success under Hollywood owners would ever happen.
"Never, not in my lifetime anyway. What they've done is amazing," Trevor Roberts replied.
The Prince then met with several charity representatives, where he heard about how it plays a key role as a hub for the local area, and the support it provides to local causes.
After that, it was back to all things Wrexham AFC as the Prince of Wales was given an insight by Humphrey Ker and Shaun Harvey.
Speaking to Ker, His Royal Highness asked if he ever thought the "crazy" idea of buying a football club with Rob would end up like this.
"No," Ker replied.
"Rob was like 'we should buy a football team', but I was like 'I don't think you pay me enough to buy a football team.
"It's been nuts, I could never have imagined it."
The tour of the Turf concluded with a meet and greet with Wayne's family, before having a go at pouring a pint and drinking a shot of whisky with Rob.
His Royal Highness then headed across to the SToK Cae Ras to meet players and staff. The Prince met CEO Fleur Robinson, before being introduced to Phil Parkinson and Steven Dale.
When asked by His Royal Highness if things are going well, Parkinson replied "yes, we've got a big game tomorrow."
"Where are Accrington Stanley?" asked The Prince.
"They're mid-table but the league is incredibly tight, everyone has something to play for."
Finally, The Prince of Wales was gifted a Wrexham shirt, with "William" and a number nine on the back by Luke Young and Ben Tozer, before taking some pictures with the crowd outside the ground as he left.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here