The Prince of Wales visits Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil

The Prince of Wales carried out engagements in Wales today, visiting communities in Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil.

His Royal Highness first travelled to Cardiff to meet staff and see the work of BCB International, a family owned business that supplies protective, medical and defence equipment. The company began producing PPE and hand sanitiser during Covid-19 and has over the years produced a range of unique survival products including shark repellent and ballistic protective underwear. 

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In the research and development area, The Prince watched a demonstration of camouflage nets being cut. The nets are produced for the Ministry of Defence and BCB International has the nets assembled offsite at prisons across the country.

BCB International has a strong relationship with the prison service and offer inmates the opportunity to learn valuable skills while assisting with the production of some of their items. 

In Merthyr Tydfil, The Prince of Wales met volunteers at The Engine House, a community hub and food bank. The centre is used by young people for dance and karate classes, and was also one of the first Covid-19 mass testing centres in Wales.

His Royal Highness also met other volunteers, Trustees of The Engine House, members of the voluntary sector, and members of the Planning and Operational Team of the Mass Testing facility.

To end the day, The Prince heard about the Foundation for Jewish Heritage's plans to restore the Grade II listed Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue, dating from 1877.

His Royal Highness toured the building and saw the plans to restore the synagogue to a Welsh Jewish heritage and education centre. The building was used by the local Jewish community, arriving at a time when Merthyr Tydfil was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution.