����ý

Kate Middleton's singing of the Welsh national anthem on her first official visit with Prince William has been praised.

Prince William's fiancee smiled as she sang Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau at the launch of a new RNLI lifeboat.

The royal couple were met by hundreds of well-wishers at Trearddur Bay on Anglesey.

Onlookers said she deserved "full marks" for the effort and the Welsh Language Board welcomed her efforts.

Meirion Prys Jones, chief executive of the Welsh Language Board, said: "I welcome the fact that the media is reporting that Kate Middleton seems to have had some Welsh lessons in the run-up to her wedding.

"I hope these lessons have given her a taste of the language and that she will continue with them."

Aubrey Diggle, lifeboat operations manager at the event said: "It's fantastic that she's interested in us, to learn the Welsh anthem."

'Big boost'

He said he was "ecstatic" about the royal visit.

"It's a big boost for the community and the whole of Anglesey."

Beverley Scowen, from Menai Bridge, was accompanied by her granddaughter Sophie, who presented Miss Middleton with a bunch of flowers as the couple did a walkabout after the lifeboat launch.

She said: "We're happy as punch and fair play to her for singing the Welsh anthem."

Michael Moore, from Rhosneigr on Anglesey, said he thought the rendition of the anthem was "fabulous".

"Full marks for trying," he said. "I was very impressed."

RNLI supporter Frieda Hilton, from Bury in Greater Manchester, said she came to stay with her niece in Conwy specially so she could attend the royal visit.

"We came down at 10am this morning so we could get a good position and I shook hands with both of them.

"Kate said she could feel the heat of my hand through her gloves.

"She's so normal, she's lovely."