Introduction
At Corgi Socks, our history is steeped in British tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to heritage. Last week, we had the immense honour of welcoming Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, to our factory in Ammanford, Wales. It was a day that will forever be etched in the heart of our team and our brand’s legacy.
The Arrival of Royalty
On the day of the visit, the air was electric with excitement. As Princess Kate arrived, greeted by Chris and Lisa (the founders’ grandchildren), her warmth and genuine interest in our work immediately shone through. What made this visit even more special was discovering Princess Kate’s personal connection to the world of wool and craftsmanship. Her paternal ancestors have ties to a woollen mill in Yorkshire, highlighting her family’s connection to British textile heritage. Additionally, her early career included working for the fashion brand Jigsaw, where she developed an appreciation for design and high-quality materials.
Design Conversations with The Princess
Dressed elegantly and exuding grace, she took the time to greet and chat with everyone she met starting with the our small team of designers. Her interest in our work felt deeply rooted in her own experiences, making the day even more meaningful. We could have chatted with her all day! Our head designer, Hayley, led the chat with Princess Kate about our collaboration with the William Morris Gallery and our collection of socks inspired by the 18th Century artist. Hayley shared insights into how we transform designs from a 2D image to reality, blending timeless artistry with modern techniques. Princess Kate showed a keen interest in the creative process, emphasizing her appreciation for the seamless fusion of tradition and innovation in our work.
A Tour Through Tradition
During her visit, Princess Kate was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our factory. She observed the intricate process of creating our luxury socks, and knitwear from selecting the finest yarns to the precision of our knitting machines.
Moments to Treasure
Her fascination with the craft was evident, as she asked thoughtful questions and even took a moment to try her hand at a few of the machines under the guidance of our expert craftspeople. She spent time chatting with our team, showing genuine interest in their stories and roles. Our linker Shauna, showed the Princess how to link a sock closed which is harder than it looks! Before leaving, Princess Kate was gifted a Ribbed Zip Cashmere Cardigan in Ecru, a pair of Pure Cashmere Bed Socks in Navy for herself, designed especially for her visit and Cashmere Wrap in Navy for her mum who was celebrating her 70th Birthday the next day. They were given to the Princess by Chris Jones' 12 year old daughter Cari.
What This Means for Corgi Socks
Having Princess Kate visit our factory is more than an honour; it’s a testament to the importance of heritage brands like ours in today’s world. It’s a moment that reinforces the value of craftsmanship, tradition, and the hard work of every individual who contributes to our success.
We’re incredibly proud to be recognized in this way and are excited to carry forward the momentum from this royal visit. This event has strengthened our resolve to continue innovating while staying true to our roots.
Thank You, Princess Kate
As we reflect on this unforgettable day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Princess Kate for taking the time to visit us. Her kindness, curiosity, and appreciation for what we do have left a lasting impression on all of us at Corgi Socks.
Stay Tuned
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes photos, team interviews, and more reflections from this special day on our blog and social media channels. Be sure to follow us for more updates and insights into the craftsmanship that caught the eye of royalty.
Thank you for being part of our journey and for celebrating this incredible milestone with us. Diolch!
