Prince William and Kate Middleton: Royal Wedding build-up starts in Wales

Prince William and Kate Middleton made their first official public appearance together today, a milestone in the lead-up to the Royal Wedding on April 29.

The couple visited Trearddur Bay on the island of Anglesey in Wales to dedicate a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) lifeboat. The lifeboat, it turns out, is the most technologically advanced inshore rescue boat that the RNLI produces.

A crowd of hundreds of excited royals watchers and multiple camera crews saw the couple arrive and perform their duties. Following the lifeboat dedication, William spoke briefly in Welsh. Kate christened the boat and impressed observers by singing the Welsh national anthem.

Though Anglesey is already a popular tourist spot, its profile will surely rise in the near future. The couple currently live on the island and will continue to do so while the prince remains stationed at RAF Valley as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Royals chasers might want to head quickly to Scotland, where the couple will make another official appearance on Friday. William and Kate will launch the celebration of the 600th Anniversary of their collective alma mater, the University of St. Andrews.

Excited about the Royal Wedding? It’s cool. We’re freaking out, too! Check out Gadling’s archive of Royal Wedding stories.

[Image: robertpaulyoung | Flickr]