On a one-day visit to Northern Ireland, the Prince and Princess of Wales made a stop at Mallon Farm in County Tyrone, a flax farm dedicated to sustainable linen production. The farm’s mission is to restore a short flax-to-linen supply chain in Northern Ireland by growing flax locally, reviving heritage machinery, and producing traceable natural fiber products that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial for the local community. This visit was part of the royal couple’s focus on supporting sustainable practices and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
During their time at Mallon Farm, Prince William and Princess Catherine met with the owners, Helen Keys and Charlie Mallon, as well as Mallon’s mother, Helen. They received a detailed tour of the facilities, where the farm is working to create a fully sustainable process that covers everything from field to fiber to fabric. The farm uses heritage machinery, carefully restored, to break and scutch the flax seeds, a physically demanding task that requires significant effort. Princess Catherine, who has shown a deep interest in textiles, was particularly keen to try her hand at using the flax brake. Mallon later remarked that Catherine did an excellent job, noting that the work is quite physical, and after an hour, “you would definitely know about it.”
Prince William showed a strong interest in learning more about the sustainability aspects of flax farming and how the practice has been revived over the years. The royal couple also spoke with Northern Irish linen designers, gaining insights into how Mallon Farm is supporting the linen industry. According to Helen Keys, the royals were especially interested in understanding the practical side of scaling up the process and addressing current gaps in the flax production chain.
After the royal visit, Mallon Farm shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing how much it meant for the Prince and Princess of Wales to take an active interest in their work. The farm’s team felt honored by the visit, noting that it gave them confidence and reassurance that their emerging community of flax growers and processors is beginning to make a significant impact. The post emphasized the importance of nature-friendly farming practices and the need to embed sustainability at the heart of the industry. Mallon Farm also highlighted the necessity of collaboration within the textile sector to create a better and fairer system.
This visit to Mallon Farm was part of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s broader mission to support innovative organizations in rural areas. As stated by Kensington Palace, their trip was aimed at showcasing growth and investment in rural communities, while also exploring entrepreneurial and creative opportunities for young people.
By shining a spotlight on sustainable farming and textile production, the royal couple reinforced the importance of environmentally conscious practices and the potential for positive change in local economies. The visit served as a reminder of the power of collaboration, sustainability, and community-driven efforts to create a more sustainable future.
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