The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland, visit Dunnottar Castle, the cliff top fortress which was once the home of the Earls Marischal, near Stonehaven.
THE DUCHESS OF ROTHESAY TO ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN SPECIAL GRADUATION CEREMONY AND BANCHORY SPORTS VILLAGE
Tuesday 14th January 2020
Engagement 1
The Duchess of Rothesay, Chancellor, University of Aberdeen, will attend a special graduation ceremony to confer honorary degrees upon Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Professor Janet Darbyshire. The Duchess will also present an award in recognition of outstanding service to the community at Elphinstone Hall, King’s College, Aberdeen AB24 3EE.
Around 400 guests – University alumni, staff, students, supporters and civic and industry leaders – will attend the formal ceremony.
The event will see The Duchess of Rothesay, as Chancellor, confer the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws upon The Princess Royal marking her outstanding contribution to public life and sport for more than four decades, with much of her work relating to education and charities based in Scotland.
Professor Darbyshire will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science for the significant impact she has made in clinical science over the past 40 years. Professor Darbyshire was awarded an OBE in 1996 and a CBE in 2010 for services to clinical sciences. In 2018, she was the first ever female recipient of the MRC Millennium Medal, awarded to an outstanding scientist who has made a major contribution to improve human health through world class medical research.
The Denis Law Legacy Trust will also be recognised at the ceremony, with The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Community. The Trust has worked with children and young people from across Aberdeen for many years. The organisation aims to reduce instances of youth crime and anti-social behaviour, promote heath and wellbeing and encourage inclusivity through sport, physical activity and creative endeavour.
During the ceremony the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir will sing a newly composed piece by the University’s Head of Music, Dr Phillip A. Cooke. A staff choir will also perform a newly written piece by the University’s Royal composer Professor Paul Mealor with words by Welsh poet Dr Grahame Davies.
After the ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses will meet and greet guests at a short reception.
Engagement 2
The Duchess of Rothesay will visit and formally open Banchory Sports Village, a new state-of-the-art facility from Aberdeenshire Council supported by community fundraising. Her Royal Highness will tour the leisure facilities and meet community users taking part in various activities around the centre.
The new Banchory Sports Village opened to the public in August 2019. The £8.5 million facility at Hill of Banchory has been funded by Aberdeenshire Council with help from North Banchory Company who supported both the development land and links with the local renewable biomass heating system.
In addition, Banchory Sports Village Trust raised £700,00 for the project through extensive community fundraising.
The new centre provides state-of-the-art sporting facilities including a six-lane swimming pool suitable for competitions, a training pool, three-court sports hall, fitness room, two squash courts and accompanying changing and cafe areas, as well as areas specially designed to meet the needs of people with complex care needs.
HRH Prince of Wales officially opens the Moneypenny centre at Wrexham.
Prince Charles shares a joke with some of the workers.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL VISIT ISRAEL AND THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
23rd January – 24th January 2020
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will visit Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, on behalf of the British Government between Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th January. At the invitation of the Israeli President, Reuven Rivlin, The Prince will attend the World Holocaust Forum on 23rd January, to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. His Royal Highness will also undertake a programme of engagements in Israel. At the invitation of Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, The Prince will later visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
His Royal Highness will begin his official programme on Thursday 23rd January. During his time in Israel, His Royal Highness will meet President Rivlin at his Official Residence in Jerusalem. The Prince will later attend the World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem, where he will join other world leaders in honouring the memory of all those who were killed in the Holocaust. His Royal Highness is one of a small number of international visitors who have been asked to address the event. The Prince will also lay a wreath on behalf of the United Kingdom.
His Royal Highness will then undertake a number of engagements in Israel focused on his deep interest in Jewish faith and culture and on the vibrancy of the U.K. – Israel relationship.
On Friday 24th January His Royal Highness will travel to Bethlehem. Here The Prince will be received by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and will carry out a number of engagements reflecting Bethlehem’s historic religious significance.
The Prince of Wales greets members of the public at Victoria Park in Swansea, Wales
THE PRINCE OF WALES TO LAUNCH SUSTAINABLE MARKETS COUNCIL AT THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND
22nd January 2020
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will attend the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting on 22nd January 2020 where he will deliver a keynote address.
His Royal Highness will use the visit, his first in almost thirty years, to officially launch his Sustainable Markets Council. This initiative, founded by The Prince, with the support of the World Economic Forum, brings together leading international figures from the private, public and philanthropic sectors to find ways to rapidly decarbonize the global economy and make the transition to sustainable markets.
The Prince’s visit takes place as a stopover on the way to his visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the request of the British Government.
The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting takes place in Davos, Switzerland between 21st and 24th January 2020.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to Victoria Park and the Patti Pavilion for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Swansea's City status, granted to the city in 1969 following the Prince's investiture as Prince of Wales.
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL, ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRINCE OF WALES, WILL ATTEND THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF HMS PRINCE OF WALES
Tuesday 10th December 2019
The Duchess of Cornwall, Ship’s Sponsor, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, will attend the official Commissioning Ceremony of the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth.
Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at Victory Jetty and use the gangway to board the ship. Her Royal Highness will be escorted by Commanding Officer Captain Darren Houston, and His Royal Highness by the Commander of HMS Prince of Wales, Commander Dan Thomas who will great TRHs on the jetty.
Their Royal Highnesses will enter the ship in the central Aircraft Hangar where the Commissioning Ceremony will take place, led by the Chaplain of the Fleet. Their Royal Highnesses will receive the Royal Salute from the Guard of Honour before the National Anthem is played by the Band of the Royal Marines. The Duchess will then inspect the front rank of the Royal Guard which is made up of the Ship’s Company and The Prince will inspect the rear rank, before returning to a dais.
The Commanding Officer will read the Commissioning Warrant and the White Ensign will be hoisted for the first time on the Flight Deck (this will be broadcast on large screens down in the hangar). Her Royal Highness will then address the 3,000 guests gathered for the ceremony, followed by an address by Captain Houston. The final part of the ceremony, in accordance with naval tradition, will see the Commanding Officer’s partner and the youngest member of the ship’s company cut the Commissioning Cake made by Royal Navy chefs.
Following the ceremony Their Royal Highnesses will join a reception and meet with members of the ship’s company and contractors involved in the shipbuilding. Following the reception, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will meet chefs who created the Commissioning Cake and stewards who organised the reception before signing the visitors’ book.
HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Prince of Wales is the second of the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers, and the sister ship of HMS Queen Elizabeth. The 65,000-tonne ship arrived into Portsmouth for the first time last month, following a series of sea trials after setting sail from the Firth of Forth in September. The Commissioning Ceremony will mark the ship’s acceptance into the Royal Navy Fleet, marked by the hoisting of the White Ensign (flag) for the first time.
HMS Prince of Wales’ crew will have an expansive range of skills and will be able to meet the widest range of tasks around the world, including humanitarian relief maritime security operations and warfighting.
Facts & figures:
A crew of at least 700 will serve on board but it has an embarked force capacity of about 1,600 personnel.
HMS Prince of Wales has the capacity to embark 36 F-35 Lightening jets and four Merlin Mark 4 helicopters depending on operational tasking.
Its flight deck is 70m wide and 280m long – as big as three football pitches – and it holds 45 days’ worth of food in stores.
From keel to the top of its highest mast, the ship is taller than Nelson’s Column.
Previous visits by TRHs to HMS Prince of Wales
In September 2017, Their Royal Highnesses attended the official Naming Ceremony at Rosyth Royal Dockyard, Fife. During the traditional ceremony, The Duchess in her role as the Ship’s Sponsor gave the signal for a bottle of whisky to be smashed against the hull of HMS Prince of Wales.
The Duchess said at the Naming Ceremony: “As Lady Sponsor, I take great pride in my own personal connections with the Royal Navy. For almost ten years now, I have been Commodore in Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service and of the naval chaplaincy service. My closest connection with our great Navy is through another Admiral, my husband, another Prince of Wales. So I already feel a particular affection for this ship. I name this ship Prince of Wales. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”
The Prince of Wales also visited Babcock’s Rosyth Facilities in June 2016, and in an historic moment, His Royal Highness gave the order for the final section, which included part of the flight deck, to be lowered into place by the Goliath crane. This allowed the final welding to start in order to make the carrier structurally complete.
The Duchess of Cornwall’s military appointments associated with The Royal Navy:
Royal Naval Medical Service – Commodore-in-Chief
H.M.S. ASTUTE – Lady Sponsor
Naval Chaplaincy Service – Commodore-in-Chief
H.M.S. PRINCE OF WALES – Lady Sponsor
CATCH UP on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements in the latest issue of Royal Life.
Prince Charles is known as The Duke of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and the UK’s northernmost country is a destination that has featured in his travels quite a lot recently, as we report here…
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Royal Ascot, 18 June 2019.
THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL WILL ATTEND THE ROYAL FILM PERFORMANCE OF “1917”
Wednesday 4th December 2019
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Royal Film Performance™ of “1917” in aid of The Film and TV Charity at the ODEON Luxe, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LQ.
Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at the ODEON Luxe where they will meet John Pike and Alex Pumfrey (Chairman and CEO of The Film and TV Charity) plus representatives from and supporters of The Film and TV Charity in the foyer.
TRH will then meet the director, Sam Mendes, upstairs alongside producers and stars of the film including George Mackay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Mark Strong and Claire Duburcq.
Her Royal Highness will be presented with a posy before moving into the auditorium to view the film.
1917
At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield and Blake are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.
The History of the Royal Film Performance™
The first Royal Command Film Performance of “A Matter of Life and Death” took place at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square in 1946 and was attended by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Since then, The Film and TV Charity has held 70 fundraising Royal Film Performance™ events.
The Royal Film Performance™ was created as a unique event to support the work of The Film and TV Charity. The world premiere of “1917”, directed by Sam Mendes, will be the 71st Royal Film Performance™ delivered by the charity in its almost 100-year history.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall last attended a Royal Film Performance™ in February 2015 for the showing of “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. The Royal Film Performance™ of “Spectre”, which was also directed by Sam Mendes, took place in October 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall and was attended by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and HRH Prince Harry (now The Duke of Sussex).
The Film and TV Charity
The Royal Film Performance™ raises money for the Film and TV Charity. The Film and TV Charity works behind the scenes of the film, television and cinema industry in the UK. From research to writing, through casting and production, to editing, sales, distribution and exhibition, the organisation supports the lives of everyone involved.
Money raised from the Royal Film Performance™ will help the organisation to develop programmes in order to improve mental health support for its sector. It will also help them to run services like their Film and TV Support Line, a completely free, 24/7 helpline for issues including debt, depression and harassment.
The Film and TV Charity was founded as the Cinematograph Trade Benevolent Fund in 1924 and later became The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. HM The Queen has been Patron of the charity since 1952.
Alex Pumfrey, CEO of The Film and TV Charity, said “We’re honoured to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to what will be the 71st Royal Film Performance™, shining a light on everyone working behind the scenes of the UK’s thriving film and television industry.”
“The funds raised at this event will mean that we can continue to support the dedicated people working in film and TV with services like our 24 hour Support Line, talent awards and hardship grants.”
The Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales is an avid supporter of those working in the Film and Television industry.
HRH is Patron of The British Film Institute which promotes understanding of and access to film and television culture, and operates a film archive. In December 2018, The Prince of Wales visited the BFI Southbank to celebrate 40 years as Patron of the British Film Institute. Early this year, The Prince of Wales, visited the James Bond set at Pinewood Studios.
The Prince of Wales is also President of the Royal Television Society, the leading forum for discussion and debate on all aspects of the television community.
CATCH UP on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements in the latest issue of Royal Life.
Prince Charles is known as The Duke of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and the UK’s northernmost country is a destination that has featured in his travels quite a lot recently, as we report here…
What’s happening at Historic Royal Palaces, January – March 2020?
As we head into a new decade, celebrate 2020 in style with a variety of exciting events and activities across the palaces.
In February and March, Kensington Palace invites guests to immerse themselves in the drama of the court of Queen Caroline and Henrietta Howard (her husband’s mistress!) as Historic Royal Palaces partners with renowned theatre company Les Enfants Terrible on a ground-breaking after-hours immersive theatre experience; United Queendom.
Meanwhile, during February Half Term at Hampton Court Palace, an ageing Queen Elizabeth I needs help to uncover treasonous plots and is recruiting spies for her mission! Visitors will have the chance to uncover and decipher puzzling codes and clues to help the Queen in this family-friendly activity. To celebrate LGBT History Month in February, at the Tower of London Historic Royal Palaces is launching a new series of after-hours LGBT+ tours. These intimate evenings explore the history of London’s most famous fortress through the lens of changing attitudes to gender and sexuality, sharing stories of figures from this iconic building’s history from the Medieval period to present day.
Experience the premiere of a unique after-hours immersive experience at Kensington Palace, created with Olivier nominated theatre company Les Enfants Terribles. Delving into the world of political intrigue, court games, high drama, scandalous gossip and smiling through gritted teeth, this theatrical experience presents two separate journeys highlighting the stories of Queen Caroline – a former resident of the palace – and her husband’s mistress, Henrietta Howard. It will bring to life two brilliant women who might have otherwise been lost in the shadow of their king, exploring how they made their mark on their world and ours.
Tickets: £55, £35 for Historic Royal Palaces members. Ticket includes a drink.
LGBT+ Tours at the Tower
Sunday evenings 9 February – 15 March
Tower of London
Discover 1000 years of queer history on this immersive evening tour at the Tower of London. This intimate after-hours experience explores the history of the Tower of London through the lens of changing attitudes to gender and sexuality. Uncover King Edward II’s close male friendships and examine how King Henry VIII’s criminalisation of homosexual acts shaped viewpoints for over 400 years. Moving on to the 20th Century, the tour will shed light on how the alleged homosexuality of prisoner Roger Casement was used in Parliament to build a case against him, and the real danger posed by queer sexual slander.
In 2020 the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London celebrates its 500-year anniversary. Built in 1520, the Chapel is perhaps best known as the burial place of some of the Tower’s most famous prisoners, including three Queens of England: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Jane Grey. To mark this very special milestone there will be a series of commemorative events running throughout the year, from lectures exploring the fascinating history of the Chapel to intimate choral performances by one of the nation’s finest chapel choirs, the Choir of the Chapels Royal, HM Tower of London. Guest speakers will include Tracy Borman, who is delivering a lecture on Henry VIII and the men who made him on 11 February.
See the Historic Royal Palaces website for more details on events and timings.
Knight School
15 – 23 February, daily 11:00 – 16:00
Tower of London
Become a knight for the day at the Tower of London. In the shadow of the imposing White Tower kids will learn all the essential components of a knight’s arsenal; from manners, etiquette and entertainment, to martial skills and fitness. Curious knights-in-training will see how heavy plate armour really is, design their very own coat of arms, test their new-found knightly knowledge and much more.
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.
Elizabeth I and her Spy Masters
15 – 23 February
Hampton Court Palace
Queen Elizabeth I is in residence at Hampton Court Palace this February half term and is on the hunt for trainee spy masters to solve clues, uncover evidence and stop potential treasonous plots! Little ones will have the chance to become a spy, meeting some of the suspects in her court along the way, whilst deciphering mysterious codes and listening in on secret conversations. It will then be time to report back to the Queen on the discoveries about her wayward courtiers! Visitors can also pay a visit to The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I display, which showcases what is believed to be the only surviving item from her wardrobe.
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.
Story Time
19 January, 9 February and 8 March, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45 and 14:45
Kensington Palace
Story Time is a lively interactive storytelling session perfect for under 7’s and their families. Each month, visitors can experience a different picture book, and discover new stories, with songs, rhymes and more. January’s story, Wild, by Emily Hughes, tells the story of Peter the Wild Boy who came to live at Kensington Palace and will see those gathered around getting to grips with their wild side!
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.
Rainbow Stories: Parties, Poetry and Pride
15-23 February – 11:00 – 15:30
Kensington Palace
This half term, join us as we celebrate LGBT+ history at Kensington Palace. Meet Queen Caroline as she hosts a party in the absence of her husband King George II, with the outrageous Lord Hervey as the guest of honour. Fellow party-goers will hear about his relationship with Caroline’s son and help to restore his reputation as one of the greatest poets of the era following a character assassination by his contemporary Alexander Pope. Inspired by Lord Hervey’s poetic flair, there will be drop-in poetry sessions throughout the week, and to truly blend in with the Georgian crowd, guests will have the opportunity to create their own look. Expect exciting attendees, plenty of colour, and plenty of flair!
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.
Your Day at Court
17 January – 31 March (excluding 15-23 February)
Kensington Palace
Experience the court of George II at Kensington Palace in all its splendour this spring, with a chance to meet some of the characters who called Kensington their home and discover the intrigue and etiquette of their daily life. The witty and intelligent Queen Caroline is in attendance, holding court in her husband’s absence.
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members.
Life in the Medieval Palace
2 January – 14 February, 24 February – 31 March.
Tower of London
Step back in time to 1278 as King Edward I and Queen Eleanor of Castile enjoy their newly built apartments at the Tower. Meet characters from the past and enjoy live drama exploring the Tower’s rich Medieval history.
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members
Settle down and get cosy inside the palace’s historic State Apartments as our expert storytellers regale visitors with tales that bring the history of Hampton Court Palace to life.
Included in palace admission. Free for Historic Royal Palaces Members.
Hillsborough Castle Inventors’ Club, in partnership with NI Science Festival
22 February
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Hillsborough Castle is no stranger to inventors, with America’s Founding Father visiting the Castle in the 1770s. Inspired by Franklin’s famous kite experiment, which revealed the electrical nature of lightning , families can explore some of history’s other ground-breaking inventions; from Edison’s kinetoscope to Harry Ferguson’s pioneering flight, in this fun and interactive workshop hosted in partnership with the NI Science Festival. Budding little brainiacs can even have a go at making and designing their own inventions!
Admission is free with a castle or gardens ticket. All children must be accompanied.
An Evening of Drink and Drugs at Hillsborough Castle, in partnership with NI Science Festival
22 February, 7pm
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
For thousands of years people have partaken in a variety of state-altering substances; from tobacco and alcohol through to laudanum and cocaine. Discover expert insight into legal highs through the ages in this fascinating discussion evening held in the castle’s spectacular Throne Room, followed by cocktails and even cabaret entertainment.
The Duchess of Cornwall, in her role President of the Royal Voluntary Service, during her visit to the Dolau Bran Lunch Club to celebrate the club's 40th anniversary at Dol Y Wern in Llandovery.
THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL WILL UNDERTAKE ENGAGEMENTS IN GREENWICH
Wednesday 4th December 2019
Engagement 1
The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron, will visit Emmaus Greenwich in celebration of their 25th anniversary. Her Royal Highness will tour the Plumstead charity shop, meeting companions, volunteers and staff, before joining a reception in recognition of their silver anniversary.
Emmaus is a homelessness charity with a difference, giving people not just a bed for a night, but a home for as long as they need it, meaningful work and a sense of belonging. The first Emmaus opened in 1992 and there are now 29 communities (residential sites) spread across the UK.
Emmaus helps more than 800 companions (formerly homeless people), by providing them with on-going support, a home and work in an Emmaus social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to gain new skills helps the companions to regain any lost self-esteem and confidence so they can get back on their feet.
Emmaus Greenwich is based in Plumstead and was opened in 1994 by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Emmaus founder Abbé Pierre. Currently the community offers a home to 34 companions, who work both in the main superstore on the community site in Plumstead and in two other shops in Lewisham and Poplar. Since opening, the charity has provided a home and meaningful work for over 750 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.
Research shows that for every £1 invested in a community, there is an £11 social, environmental and economic return, with savings to the benefits bill, health services and a reduction in crime.
Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, has been Patron of Emmaus (UK) since 2006.
Engagement 2
The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron, will visit The Fan Museum and tour the latest semi-permanent exhibition, showcasing the diversity of the collection. Her Royal Highness will then join a fan making class with a group from Royal Voluntary Service, of which The Duchess is President, taking part in the First time for Everything programme.
Her Royal Highness has been Patron of the Fan Museum since 2008 and President of Royal Voluntary Service since 2012.
The Fan Museum
The Fan Museum is an independent museum that opened to the public in 1991, housed in two adjoining Georgian townhouses in Greenwich. It is the first museum of its kind in the world, and for reasons of conservation, it changes its exhibits about three times a year.
Based on the Hélène Alexander (Founder & Director) collection, with the addition of numerous bequests and donations over the years, the museum is now home to some 8,000 fans and fan leaves from all over the world – the earliest dating from the 12th century. Collections and individual fans are often loaned and exhibited worldwide. The museum also comprises an extensive reference library open to researchers by special request.
Royal Voluntary Service
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with nearly 20,000 volunteers a year supporting the NHS and helping people in the community to age well. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS, with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.
In the community, RVS runs a raft of activities, clubs and services that provide older people with the opportunity to forge vital social connections that have a positive effect on their physical and mental health. The charity joined forces with Prudential three years ago to launch First Time for Everything, a programme designed to give older people an opportunity to try a new social activity for free in their local community each month to improve quality of life. These have included paddle boarding, seated archery, zip wiring and even Bollywood dancing. Since the programme began in 2017, RVS has run more than 500 First Time for Everything events in locations in England, Scotland and Wales, with 5,000 people benefitting.
CATCH UP on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements in the latest issue of Royal Life.
Prince Charles is known as The Duke of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and the UK’s northernmost country is a destination that has featured in his travels quite a lot recently, as we report here…
The Prince of Wales, Patron, The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, presents Alis Huws (right), his new Official Harpist, with the Royal Harpist's brooch, during an evening of music and drama at his Welsh home Llwynywermod in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire.
THE PRINCE OF WALES, ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WILL PRESENT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING
Tuesday 3rd December 2019
The Prince of Wales, on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen will present the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering at Buckingham Palace, London.
His Royal Highness will meet representatives of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering. A short video will be played, after which Lord Browne of Madingley, Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation, will deliver a speech.
His Royal Highness will present the awards to the winners, Dr Bradford Parkinson, Hugo Fruehauf, Richard Schwartz and the wife of the late Professor James Spilker, Jr, Mrs Anna Marie Spilker, for their work on the Global Positioning System, widely known as GPS.
The Prince of Wales will pause for a photograph with the winners before meeting the trophy designer and joining guests at the reception.
Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
Since it was first awarded in 2013, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering (QEPrize) has become the world’s most prestigious engineering accolade.
The global £1 million prize celebrates a ground-breaking innovation in engineering. It is awarded every two years and aims to raise the public profile of engineering and to inspire the next generation.
The QEPrize rewards an individual or team of engineers whose engineering innovation has had a global impact on humanity. While doing so, the Prize celebrates engineering as a discipline and career choice and highlights its ability to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation was established to administer the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering and is based at Prince Philip House in London.
The Winners
The 2019 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering was awarded to Dr Bradford Parkinson, Professor James Spilker, Jr, Hugo Fruehauf, and Richard Schwartz for their work on the Global Positioning System (GPS). The winners were announced in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal earlier this year.
Sadly, Professor James Spilker passed away in September. His wife, Mrs Anna Marie Spilker, will receive his award on his behalf.
Lord Browne of Madingley, Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering
Foundation, said: “The 2019 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering recognises the four engineers responsible for providing accurate position and timing information for billions of people around the world. Their revolutionary work epitomises the excellence in engineering that the QEPrize both recognises and celebrates, and we hope that it continues to inspire the next generation of engineers to take up the challenges of the future.”
GPS
GPS has revolutionised modern society. Its applications range from navigation and disaster relief through to climate monitoring systems, banking systems, and the foundation of tomorrow’s transport, agriculture and industry. It has been referred to as the ‘crown-jewel of engineering’.
GPS uses a constellation of at least 24 orbiting satellites, ground stations and receiving devices. Each satellite broadcasts a radio signal containing its location and the time from an extremely accurate onboard atomic clock. GPS receivers need signals from at least four satellites to determine their position; they measure the time delay in each signal to calculate the distance to each satellite, then use that information to pinpoint the receiver’s location on earth.
GPS was first developed in the early 1970’s. Today an estimated four billion people around the world use GPS. It enables anyone with a smartphone to pinpoint exactly where they are on Earth, as well as the precise time, and is also used in applications that range from aviation safety and banking to locating and rescuing ships in distress.
Create the Trophy Competition
Every two years, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering trophy design is found through the ‘Create the Trophy’ competition. The competition gives young people the opportunity to get involved, testing their design skills using the latest in 3D-design technology. The competition is open to entrants aged 14-24 worldwide. Trophy designs are created and submitted online using the QEPrize3D app, which is free to download on Apple and Android devices. This year’s winning entry, designed by 16 year old Jack Jiang from Hong Kong, was selected from thousands by a panel of expert judges from across the fields of engineering and design. Jack’s intricate design impressed the judges with its complexity and balance, combining traditional trophy shapes with elements of modern wind turbines.
Jack believes that engineers are key to solving the world’s future challenges. “There are countless environmental problems around the world, and right now they are only getting worse. However, I know that it will be engineers that provide solutions to them,” said Jack.
The Prince and Engineering
The Prince of Wales has a longstanding interest in encouraging more young people into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. His Royal Highness inspired the creation of the Industrial Cadets, which help provide workplace experiences for young people.
In 2017, The Prince opened the Morphy Richards Engineering Centre at Dumfries House in Scotland to provide indoor and outdoor STEM learning experiences for primary and early secondary students. Earlier this month, HRH visited ETL Systems in Hereford- a fast growing technology company, which designs and manufactures radio frequency (RF) equipment to enable and optimise satellite communications networks.
CATCH UP on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements in the latest issue of Royal Life.
Prince Charles is known as The Duke of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and the UK’s northernmost country is a destination that has featured in his travels quite a lot recently, as we report here…
The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, attends a reception in the workspace of the family owned and run business of Hawico, to celebrate British Industry in Hawick.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Christchurch & Kaikōura, New Zealand
Christchurch
Saturday 23rd November
ENGAGEMENT 33 – To be announced
ENGAGEMENT 34
The Duchess of Cornwall visits the Battered Women’s Trust
The Duchess of Cornwall will meet the Chief Executive of the Battered Women’s Trust, Miss Lois Herbert, staff and survivors and learn about the work of the Trust.
Battered Women’s Trust is a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting families to live violence free.
The charity set up the second refuge in New Zealand and was one of the founding members of the Women’s Refuge partnership in New Zealand. The staff work closely with local services to provide a quick response for victims of domestic violence in the Canterbury area. According to the Chief Executive, an unexpected outcome of the 2011 earthquake was an upsurge in child on parent violence, particularly from young teenage boys, as social networks broke down with the disruption to schooling and local activities.
Since the original group formed in 1976, the Battered Women’s Trust has evolved to offer a range of advocacy and education services as well as rural safe housing, transitional housing and a 24-hour crisis line.
Phase 1 Crisis response:
This includes a crisis phone line; a five-bedroom residential house for women and children in emergency situations; community support for those who wish to stay in their homes but need help to become safe; and a multi-agency integrated safety response to ensure the immediate safety of victims and to work with perpetrators to prevent further violence.
Phase 2 Service delivery:
This includes advocacy support to assist clients with housing, the legal system, medical assistance and financial assistance; upgrade of home security and installation of a monitored family violence alarm; and a transition house for those needing a supported environment while waiting for appropriate longer-term housing.
Phase 3 Education:
BWT offers a 10-week domestic violence education programme for victims; adult safety programmes and safety plans for each child in the household; and the Strengthening Safety Service for victims.
Phase 4 Transformational change:
BWT offers clients long-term transformational change support through counselling; and support groups that become self-managing and often continue for years.
BWT has also adapted their services to support specific issues arising in Canterbury following the earthquakes, such as a spike in teen violence within the family, and increased violence arising from dysfunctional families reuniting because of housing shortages and earthquake-related stress.
ENGAGEMENT 35
The Duchess of Cornwall visits the Botanic Gardens
Her Royal Highness will tour the gardens, accompanied by the Director, Wolfgang Bopp. Her Royal Highness will visit the rose garden and Native Area, where Her Royal Highness will plant a tree before viewing the largest tree in the collection, a giant sequoia.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens were founded in 1863 and cover 21 hectares adjacent to the Avon River. Over several decades the garden has evolved into a fine collection of hundreds of New Zealand species including the iconic silver fern.
Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa is the Māori name, gifted by Ngāi Tahu, for the Gardens. It translates as the Botanical Gardens of Waipapa, Waipapa being the name of the area along the Avon/Ōtākaro River where the Gardens are located.
The first tree, an English oak, was planted in 1863 to commemorate the marriage of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
Kaikōura
Saturday 23rd November
ENGAGEMENT 36
The Prince of Wales visits Takahanga Marae
His Royal Highness will be greeted by Kaumātua to the Governor-General, Professor Piri Sciascia and Kuia to the Governor-General, Mrs. Ranui Ngarimu outside the Wharenui (meeting house). The Pōwhiri (Māori Ceremonial Welcome) and Karanga (Call of Welcome) will then commence and a Haka Pōwhiri (Dance of Welcome) will be performed. A Waiata Tautoko (song of support) will be sung by mana whenua (Home People) and His Royal Highness will be invited to Hongi (the greeting in which people press their noses together).
His Royal Highness will then be escorted into the Wharenui, where he will be introduced to Leader youth -Te Runanga o Kaikōura Rangatahi, Ms. Miriama Allen. Rangatahi (youth) will tell His Royal Highness the history of the Ngāti Kuri Iwi and their migration to the region, as illustrated by the traditional art that adorns the ceiling. His Royal Highness will meet people actively involved in the post-Earthquake response and groups of Māori youth during the visit.
Takahanga Marae is the standing place for Ngāti Kuri. The Marae buildings and grounds are sacred. The house that stands today is on the exact site of the original house, which stood some 200 years ago. The original Marae was built some 450 years ago by Kāti Mamoe.
ENGAGEMENT 37
The Prince of Wales undertakes a public walkabout in Kaikōura Square
His Royal Highness will meet the Mayor of Kaikōura, Craig Mackle and Deputy Mayor of Kaikōura, Julie Howden, who will both escort His Royal Highness to watch a performance of the Kaikōura Song by the Children’s Choir Group. His Royal Highness will visit the main street and esplanade of Kaikōura, to meet members of the business community and a group of first responders to the earthquake including Red Cross, St Johns Ambulance, Fire Services and members of the public. His Royal Highness will visit a number of stalls set up by local food producers. A group of White Ribbon Riders who are on their annual motorcycle ride raising money and awareness of domestic violence will also be present.
Tourism makes up 12 percent of the local economy, which was badly affected during the post-earthquake period when the township lost road and rail access.
The White Ribbon Ride is an annual week-long motorcycle tour through towns in the North and South Islands, in support of programmes against domestic violence. Events are organised in many of the towns visited, including school visits, marches and breakfasts, fashion parades, quiz nights and Dads and Lads days. The White Ribbon Ride has been running since 2009.
ENGAGEMENT 38
The Prince of Wales attends a Future is Bright Event at Kaikōura Memorial Hall
The Events and Community Service Coordinator of Kaikōura District Council, Joanna York will walk The Prince around the Memorial Hall where he will visit various set ups and displays highlighting the past, present and future of the local area. The Prince will meet a number of gathered guests during the visit including Kaikōura’s Returned and Services Association. The tour will conclude with a display of artwork by local school children.
The tour starts with the “Past”, including images and whale bone from the Kaikōura Museum, Fyffe House (which is the town’s oldest building and home of NZ’s first official European settler Robert Fyffe).
The “Present” will showcase innovative responses to the earthquake, particularly how the town has managed the waste that was produced. The present also includes the small businesses that have continued to thrive and local artists and authors.
The “Future” section will portray wildlife in the area and the efforts that have gone to making sure that the environment, sea life and animals are protected.
ENGAGEMENT 39
The Prince of Wales visits Hutton’s Shearwater Colony
The Prince of Wales will be greeted by Geoff Harrow and Ted Howard from Hutton’s Shearwater Charitable Trust who will tell His Royal Highness about the important conservation initiative to protect migratory seabirds in the area and, in particular, the Hutton’s Shearwater, a species unique to the Kaikōura area. They will show His Royal Highness the nesting birds. The Prince will meet a Community Ranger from the Department of Conservation and Representative of Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura during the visit.
The Hutton’s Shearwater is an endangered seabird endemic to Kaikōura, New Zealand. The only place in the world that this species breeds is high in the Seaward Kaikōura ranges at elevations between 1200m to 1800m. When the Hutton’s Shearwater colonies were rediscovered in 1964, there were eight colonies but only two survive today – on conservation land in the headwaters of the Kowhai River and on private land in Shearwater Stream.
The Hutton’s Shearwater Charitable Trust, in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC), created an artificial breeding colony on the Kaikōura peninsula and has been gradually translocating birds there.
ENGAGEMENT 40 – To be announced
ENGAGEMENT 41
His Royal Highness departs Kaikōura
The Prince of Wales departs Kaikōura for the Solomon Islands.
CATCH UP on the full New Zealand visit at the links below or for more of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, get a copy of the latest issue of Royal Life.
Prince Charles is known as The Duke of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and the UK’s northernmost country is a destination that has featured in his travels quite a lot recently, as we report here…
The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay during a visit to the coastal village of Garlieston, where the port played an important role in D-Day preparations in 1944, in the testing of the Mulberry Harbours
THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL VISIT NEW ZEALAND
Christchurch
Friday 22nd November
ENGAGEMENT 24
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Tuahiwi Marae
On arrival, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will be greeted by Dr Te Maire Tau, Upoko Rūnanga (Head) of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Arapata Reuben, Chair of Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga. Their Royal Highnesses will receive a traditional welcome ceremony, accompanied throughout by their kaitiaki (hosts), Joh Robert Crofts and Elizabeth Kereru. During the Whakamanuhiritanga ceremony, The Prince and The Duchess will wear korowai, Māori cloaks. The ceremony will include the Kranga, a call of welcome, the Haka Pōwhiri, dance of welcome, Whaikōrero – Hau Kāinga, speech of welcome from the hosts, Whaikōrero – Manuhiri, a speech of welcome from the guests, and the Hongi and Harirū, pressing noses and shaking hands. Their Royal Highnesses will then join a reception before departing.
Tuahiwi is a small settlement located in North Canterbury and is the home of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, the descendants of the eponymous ancestor Tūāhuriri. Ngāi Tūāhuriri is a sub-tribe of the major South Island tribe Ngāi Tahu. Tuahiwi has played a vital role in Ngāi Tahu history. It is the place where successive generations of Ngāi Tahu have gathered to discuss tribal affairs and to strategise a future.
ENGAGEMENT 25
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Cashmere High School
Their Royal Highnesses will be joined on this visit by Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Joe Eccleton, Principal of Cashmere High School will greet the Royal Party and introduce Head Boy, Okirano Tilaia. Entering the school hall, The Prince and The Duchess will view a performance by the Kapa Haka Group. Matua Detroit Stirling will then perform the mihi whakatau or speech of welcome. Their Royal Highnesses and the Prime Minister will take their seats on the stage before Okirano delivers welcoming remarks. His Royal Highness will then speak. Their Royal Highnesses will then have the opportunity to meet students before moving into a private meeting with students and their families who were affected by the mosque attacks in Christchurch earlier this year.
One of the largest high schools in Christchurch, Cashmere High School, was greatly affected by the March 2019 mosque attacks, with many people associated with the school killed, including two current students, and others injured. Head Boy, Okirano Tilaia, led the youth movement supporting victims of the attack through food and toy drives and the Students Uniting in Love vigil.
Following the attacks, The Prince of Wales sent a message to the people of New Zealand saying: “This appalling atrocity is an assault on all of us who cherish religious freedom, tolerance, compassion and community. I know that the people of New Zealand will never allow hate and division to triumph over these things they hold dear.” The message is available in full here.
ENGAGEMENT 26
The Prince of Wales attends a reception for Christ Church Cathedral at Turanga Library
Their Royal Highnesses will arrive together with the Prime Minister and be greeted by Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch, Peter Guthrey, Chair of Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Trust and Peter Carrell, Bishop of Christchurch Diocese. Her Royal Highness will then proceed to the library, while His Royal Highness joins the reception. Remarks will be made by the Mayor and the Bishop before His Royal Highness unveils a plaque. Richard Wallace, Māori Bishop for the South Island will close the ceremonies with a prayer. The Prince will then have the opportunity to meet assembled guests before moving over the road to the Cathedral site to view its progress.
During the 2011 Canterbury Earthquake, which killed 185 people, Christ Church Cathedral was severely damaged when its tower toppled onto the main building. The project to reinstate the building aims to provide a safer and more functional space, better equipped for future worship and civic events. With stabilisation works already underway, it is estimated the Cathedral will be completed within the next seven to ten years.
ENGAGEMENT 27
The Duchess of Cornwall attends a Literacy Event at Turanga Library
Her Royal Highness will join a workshop for young people participating in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, accompanied by David Eggleton, New Zealand Poet Laureate. The event will cover the three themes of poetry, fiction and writing for journalism. The Duchess will then be introduced by John Latham, President of the Royal Commonwealth Society’s Canterbury Branch New Zealand and have the opportunity to present a Gold Award for the 2019 competition and address the assembled students, revealing the theme of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition for 2020.
The Duchess of Cornwall, as Vice-Patron of The Royal Commonwealth Society, has presented awards to the winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace for several years running. Most recently, Her Royal Highness presented certificates to the four winners of the 2019 competition on October 31st. The Duchess launched last year’s competition in Ghana, saying: “As a passionate believer in the power of the written word I look forward, with huge anticipation, to reading the winning entries and presenting the awards at Buckingham Palace next year.”
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools and was founded in 1883 to promote literacy, expression and creativity among young people throughout the Commonwealth.
ENGAGEMENT 28
The Prince of Wales will visit the Christchurch Cathedral Site
His Royal Highness will have the opportunity to visit the site of Christchurch Cathedral.
ENGAGEMENT 29
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Cathedral Square
Their Royal Highnesses will have the opportunity to meet members of the public in Cathedral Square.
ENGAGEMENT 30 – To be announced
ENGAGEMENT 31
The Duchess of Cornwall attends an event for Active Elderly at the Salvation Army Centre
Her Royal Highness will be greeted on arrival by Jane Callahan, Senior Chef Coordinator for Pegasus Health who will introduce staff from Senior Chef and the Salvation Army. The Duchess will visit the kitchen where she will have the opportunity to join Senior Chef Members in preparing a meal before learning about how the programme benefits older people. Her Royal Highness will then move to the gymnasium to view a performance by Silver Swans, a programme facilitated by the Royal Academy of Dance to provide ballet lessons designed for the elderly. The Rockers of Ages Choir will then perform a medley of Queen Songs. Senior Chef Coordinator Wendy Scanlon from Pegasus health will then invite Her Royal Highness to launch the Senior Chef cookbook. The Duchess will then have the opportunity to meet the performers before departing.
Active Ageing is a key focus of The Duchess of Cornwall’s work, encouraging and inspiring an older generation to keep fit, active and engaged, tackling the isolation and seclusion that many older people face. Her Royal Highness herself enjoys walking her dogs, hiking and swimming. The Duchess’s Patronages include The Silver Line, a confidential and free helpline for older people across the UK, and Royal Voluntary Service, an organisation dedicated to helping older people stay active, and feel valued and independent.
The Royal Academy of Dance developed Silver Swans in response to a growing demand for ballet classes for older learners, drawing upon research into dance practice for older participants from RAD’s Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project. Silver Swans classes are delivered exclusively by Silver Swans Licensees who have trained to safely adapt ballet techniques for older adults, taking into account a range of abilities and ages. Initially launched in the UK and USA in 2017, Silver Swans is now truly global, with classes also available in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and Mexico. By the beginning of 2020, there will be over 1,000 Silver Swans Licensees across the world offering classes in their local community.
In February 2018, Her Royal Highness visited the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London to learn about their Silver Swans programme and joined in an exercise with singer Elaine Paige and broadcaster Angela Rippon. Learn more about the visit here.
ENGAGEMENT 32
The Prince of Wales delivers a State of the Environment address at Lincoln University
On arrival, His Royal Highness will be greeted by Professor Bruce McKenzie, Acting Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, and Kristy Havill, President of Lincoln University Students’ Association. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grant Edwards, will announce The Prince’s arrival to those gathered in the lecture theatre and deliver welcome remarks. His Royal Highness will then deliver a speech from the lectern. The Prince will move to the Architecture Building to meet with students of the School of Landscape Architecture. His Royal Highness will next meet postgraduate students working on Agribusiness and Commerce, Agriculture and Life Sciences and Society and Design. Bill Martin, Manager of the Biological Husbandry Unit, will then provide a showcase of his work for The Prince.
The Lincoln University State of the Nation’s Environment Address was introduced in 1999 on the initiative of the Professor of Nature Conservation, Ian Spellerberg, who believed that if New Zealand was to maintain its clean, green image there needed to be an annual forum for assessing how the environment is doing. The event follows the tradition of the State of the Nation addresses on political, economic and budgetary matters. The Address has attracted a number of notable New Zealand speakers in its 20 years.
Lincoln University dates back to 1880 when it was initially linked to Canterbury College. It is the smallest University in New Zealand, with just over 3,000 students in 2018. It has a strong agricultural focus and owns ten farms on the South Islands, which offer hands-on experiences for students and produce research solutions for the benefit of the sector.
For more than four decades, The Prince of Wales has used his unique position to champion action for a sustainable future. In the context of global challenges that include climate change, deforestation, and ocean pollution, The Prince has promoted sustainability to ensure that the natural assets upon which we all depend among other things soil, water, forests, a stable climate and fish stocks endure for future generations. His Royal Highness believes that economic and social development will best succeed when it works in harmony with Nature, rather than in conflict with Nature. In May 2017, His Royal Highness was awarded The GCC Global Leader of Change Award for his outstanding contribution to global environmental preservation and protection and for his passionate vision for a better future for humanity. The Prince was recognised as the acclaimed Lifetime Achievement Winner at the 7th International Green Awards in 2012. The International Green Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious accolade, bestowed to individuals who have been committed to the sustainability cause and inspired others to positive action.
CATCH UP on the full New Zealand visit at the links below or for more of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, get a copy of the latest issue of Royal Life.
Prince Charles is known as The Duke of Rothesay when visiting Scotland, and the UK’s northernmost country is a destination that has featured in his travels quite a lot recently, as we report here…
