Prince William was all ears during his visit to leading semiconductor company KLA in Wales, pausing to hear a moving story from local innovator Mark Williams.
Mark, a former Team GB Paralympic swimmer, told how a childhood accident left him without his left leg.
The incident which coincidentally happened on the same day Prince William was born, June 21, 1982.
“Prince William said, ‘It’s my birthday,’ and I said, ‘I know,'” Mark recalled.
After being rushed to Glan Clwyd Hospital, his parents received bittersweet news that the royal family had welcomed a baby boy, William, while doctors were unable to save Mark’s leg.
Turning adversity into innovation, he now designs casts for children who have lost limbs, creating designs that help wearers feel safe in public.
Among the exhibits was a cast of King Charles, created to mark his coronation in 2023.
Looking at the intricate design, the prince joked that they “just looked like any other crazy socks”, cheekily highlighting the inspiring work of Welsh entrepreneurs.
William was in action during his visit, moving between stands, inspecting exhibits and sharing happy moments with staff, all while promoting Wales as a hub for innovation and green business.
