Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, are set to make a joint engagement later this week. Kensington Palace has confirmed that the royal couple, who have spent the past week off-duty at the Queen's Balmoral estate in Scotland, will travel to Wales on Saturday 8 November. The pair will kick off their "Wales away day" with a visit to the Valero Pembroke Refinery – a significant employer of 1,200 locals in the western part of the country.
Prince William and Kate will carry out two engagements in Wales
William and Kate are making the stop to celebrate the oil refinery's 50th anniversary, after it was officially opened by The Queen Mother in 1964. The company hopes to highlight the positive impact the refinery has had on employment in the area. Upon arrival, the Duke and Duchess will view a display that chronicles the 50-year history of the refinery and shows its relationship with the local community. William and Kate will also have the opportunity to meet workers, apprentices, placement students and their mentors. They will then visit the Control Room to meet blending and shipping workers, before proceeding to the Fire Hall to meet representatives from various community organisations who are supported by the refinery.
Duchess Kate visits the rugby Millenium stadium in Cardiff in 2012
The last part of the visit may be particularly enjoyable for history of art graduate Kate, as she and William, both 32, will unveil a plaque and a painting by a local artist. The couple will also be treated to a performance by the Young Actors Studio, who work in partnership with the refinery through The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Following their first engagement, William and Kate will also attend the Rugby Union International match between Wales and Australia at the Millennium stadium, Cardiff.