THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL UNDERTAKE VISITS IN WARWICKSHIRE AND THE WEST MIDLANDS

Tuesday 18th February 2020

Engagement 1

The Prince of Wales, President, will visit the Costume Workshop of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in Stratford-upon-Avon. His Royal Highness will see the construction works which are taking place as part of a major redevelopment and restoration project, as well as tour the RSC Costume Store.

His Royal Highness will arrive at the Waterside entrance to the Costume Workshop construction site to view the on-going redevelopment and learn about the conservation work taking place. The Prince will then visit The Other Place where the RSC’s Costume Store is housed, and which includes over 40,000 costume items which have been used in RSC productions. On display will be costumes and props, and The Prince will meet with some of the craftspeople who create them. His Royal Highness will move to The Other Place Studio Theatre to view a short performance from The Boy in the Dress, the RSC’s current family show, before meeting staff and RSC supporters during a reception.

The RSC, a registered charity, has the largest in-house costume-making department of any British theatre. Alongside its own armoury, the workshop includes many specialist skills and crafts including men’s and women’s costume-making, millinery, dyeing and printing. The team creates hundreds of costumes each year, which are seen by audiences across the world. The costumes are housed in the RSC’s Costume Store including items from past RSC productions which are now available for hire.

The Costume Workshop is located opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, hidden behind the Grade II listed 1887 former scene dock which was constructed for the original Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. Costume making on the site dates to this time, with the current workshop being here since the 1950s. The close proximity to the theatre is essential as the workshop also includes facilities for fitting and maintenance of costumes during the life of a show. The Costume Workshop is currently undergoing a major redevelopment and restoration to secure the future of costume-making in Shakespeare’s hometown.

The redevelopment will:

• create the best facilities for costume-making;
• care for the heritage Grade II listed buildings;
• provide training and apprenticeship opportunities;
• open the workshop to visitors for the first time.

The project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and The Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, with additional support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Lydia and Manfred Gorvy, The Foyle Foundation, and other generous supporters. More than 30,000 people supported Stitch In Time, the RSC’s public fundraising campaign to raise £3m towards the project which launched in September 2017 and reached its target in Summer 2019.

The Boy in the Dress is currently playing in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 8 March 2020. From the novel by David Walliams, adapted by Mark Ravenhill, music and lyrics by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, directed by Gregory Doran.

Engagement 2 

The Prince of Wales will officially open the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) and see the latest innovations in electric and autonomous vehicle technology.

His Royal Highness will first meet senior representatives from the partners involved in the NAIC, before meeting family members of the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya who came up with the concept for the NAIC.

The Prince will then visit the Engineering Hall where he will see the latest sustainable future mobility projects from Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), at the University of Warwick. These include WMG student electric racing vehicle projects; Tata Motors’ latest electric and autonomous vehicles alongside Jaguar Land Rover’s latest prototype self-driving Jaguar I-PACE.

In Jaguar Land Rover’s Design Studio, His Royal Highness will see the reveal and demonstration of one of the company’s latest advanced research concept vehicles which has been developed as the next stage of the company’s Destination Zero mission: an ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner.

The Prince will also have the opportunity to meet students, apprentices and employees in the main Atrium before some short speeches. Before departing, His Royal Highness will unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the centre.

The National Automotive Innovation Centre, at the University of Warwick, is one of Europe’s largest automotive research and development facilities. The £150m centre is a partnership project by Jaguar Land Rover, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), Tata Motors and the University of Warwick with funding from the UK Government’s Research Partnership Investment Fund, through Research England. The concept for the NAIC was brought to life by the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, founder of WMG, an academic department at the University of Warwick.

Bringing together the brightest minds from industry and academia, the NAIC is a beacon for future mobility and sustainability research and development. It will create new vehicles and personal mobility solutions as well as deliver the skills required to keep the UK globally competitive.

Advanced researchers, engineers and designers based at the centre are tackling society’s largest mobility challenges and collectively shaping the future of the global automotive industry from the heart of the United Kingdom.

The 33,000m² centre includes cutting-edge workshops, laboratories, virtual engineering suites and advanced powertrain facilities.

The partners working together in NAIC are engineering the future and helping supply the next generation of engineers, designers and researchers. At NAIC, students and apprentices work alongside experts and leaders in their fields. Through a range of education programmes, apprenticeships and lifelong learning, all three partners are developing curriculums which support the emerging technologies and mobility solutions.

Engagement 3

The Prince of Wales, Patron, The Almshouse Association, will visit the Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouses in Bedworth.

His Royal Highness will arrive in the town square of Bedworth and walk to the nearby Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouses courtyard. The Prince will meet one of the residents in their home before meeting trustees and other residents in the Main Hall and Resident’s Lounge. His Royal Highness will sign the visitors’ book and plant a tree in the gardens to mark the visit.

Nicholas Chamberlaine was a 17th century rector of Bedworth and is still remembered as a generous benefactor. In 1715 he left money in his will that paid for almshouses to be built. The building fell into disrepair, however, and in the 1830s the trustees bought a new site – the current site that was then on the edge of the village.

The building that stands today dates from this time, although much of the architecture adopts an older style. Thanks to his generosity and the hard work of current trustees, the almshouses and a number of schools continue to benefit from the charity he established.

In the 1980s the almshouses nearly came to an end, with the fabric of the buildings deteriorating, funding issues and few people in residence. But a campaign managed to get the buildings listed and a programme of restoration began. The final resident’s flat to be restored was completed in 2003.

Today, the trust continues to be on the public register of social landlords and looks after residents in 27 sheltered housing apartments in the almshouses.

In July 1934 Edward, The Prince of Wales visited the almshouses and planted an oak tree that still thrives today. The Almshouse Association Vice Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, visited in 1988 and HRH The Duke of Kent visited in 2016.

The Almshouse Association is the membership body for almshouse charities throughout the UK. There are 1,700 almshouse charities across the UK providing homes for 35,000 residents making them collectively one of the largest specialist providers of low-cost community housing. Despite the large numbers housed, 80% of almshouse charities provide less than 20 homes.

The Prince of Wales has been Patron of The Almshouse Association since 1992. His Royal Highness’ last visit to an almshouse was in November 2018 to The Thomas Parsons’ Charity almshouses in Ely, Cambridgeshire.

Engagement 4

To be confirmed

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL VISIT THE TOWER OF LONDON

Thursday 13th February 2020

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit The Tower of London to mark 535 years since the creation of Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) and join a reception with VisitBritain/VisitEngland to celebrate 50 years of the British Tourist Authority.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will be greeted by the Constable of the Tower, plus representatives of VisitBritain before joining Yeoman Warders for a photograph in front of the White Tower, the iconic landmark from which The Prince’s standard will be flying.

Their Royal Highnesses will proceed inside The Queen’s House and visit the cell where Thomas More was imprisoned. Here, Their Royal Highnesses will learn a brief history of the space.

Their Royal Highnesses will move to the Ceremonial Chamber to meet Yeoman Warders in a small reception where they will cut a cake to mark the 535th anniversary since Yeoman Warders were introduced, using a Yeoman Warder’s instrument (i.e- axe or Tudor knife.)

Next, Their Royal Highnesses will head upstairs to the Council Chamber, where Guy Fawkes gave his written confession. Here, Their Royal Highnesses will inspect The Princes of Wales’ Coronet following 50 years since the Investiture of The Prince of Wales last year. The Coronet was presented to HM The Queen by the Goldsmiths’ Company for His Royal Highness’s Investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle on 1 July 1969.

Their Royal Highnesses will sign the visitors’ book upon departure and be escorted by six Yeoman Warders to a reception in the New Armouries Banqueting Suite. As longstanding Patron of English Tourism Week, The Prince along with The Duchess will join key representatives from London’s tourist attractions to celebrate 50 years since The Tourism Act 1969, the birth of the tourist board of Great Britain, VisitBritain.

The British Tourist Authority

The British Tourist Authority was formed in 1969 following the passing of the Tourism Act that year. It was one of four statutory tourist bodies established alongside England, Scotland and Wales.

From 5.8 million overseas visits to the UK in 1969 to 38.5 million in 2019, inbound tourism is now the country’s third largest service export forecast to generate £26.6 billion in overseas visitor spending this year. When including domestic tourism the industry is worth £127 billion annually to the economy, employing 3.1 million across the UK.

Tourism is an engine of economic growth, creating jobs and boosting local economies including coastal towns and rural communities, and creating a sense of people, place and wellbeing.

Tourism also has a global role as a major part of British trade, driving inward investment and framing how people around the world view Britain, promoting a message of welcome and driving its leading ‘soft power’ rankings.

English Tourism Week (ETW) is being held this year from 18-25 April. Led by VisitEngland, ETW is an annual celebration of English tourism, the week highlights the innovation, quality, range and value of the industry and its contribution to the economy.

The Tower of London

For over 900 years the Tower of London has dominated the City of London and is still one of the capital’s most prominent landmarks. Today the Tower is cared for by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces and is the most visited ‘paid-for’ attraction in the UK with more than 2.8 million visitors annually. Overall more than 10 million visits are made each year to Britain’s castles and historic houses and seven million to a religious building. Almost 30% of all inbound trips include a visit to a castle or historic house with those visitors spending £8 billion in the UK every year.

Throughout its long history, the Tower has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, an arsenal, royal mint, menagerie and jewel house. Today, London’s great royal fortress is home to some of the most potent symbols of British history; the Yeoman Warders, ravens and Crown Jewels.

Around 1078, William the Conqueror began work on a great stone palace with walls 15 feet thick, known since the medieval period as the White Tower. It now houses a collection of historic royal arms and armour belonging to the Royal Armouries, including the magnificent armour of Henry VIII. The striking outer defences of the fortress were established and enlarged by subsequent monarchs to create the 22 towers that make up the Tower of London today.

Yeoman Warders

The Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters, are descended from the ancient band of warders who, from early in the Tower’s history, had the responsibility for guarding the gates and royal prisoners. Whilst it is assumed there were guards based at the Tower since its inception, the earliest records of the Yeoman Body as we know them today dates back to 1485 when the first monarch of the Tudor dynasty, King Henry VII, formed a guard at the Tower whose uniforms incorporated a Tudor rose as an emblem.

Modern Yeoman Warders are still Extraordinary Members of the Queen’s Bodyguard and are all former warrant officers from Her Majesty’s Forces with an honourable service record of at least 22 years. Today there are 37 Yeoman Warders who combine their traditional ceremonial role with that of tour guide.

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO HOST 15TH ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARITY SAFELIVES

Wednesday 12th February 2020

The Duchess of Cornwall will host a reception at Clarence House to acknowledge the 15th anniversary of domestic abuse charity SafeLives.

Her Royal Highness has invited representatives from SafeLives to Clarence House to celebrate 15 years of the charity’s work. During the reception, which coincides with the charity’s Valentine’s Campaign, The Duchess will meet charity CEO Suzanne Jacob and recently appointed Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs, as well as survivors including Rachel Williams, frontline staff and professionals that work in partnership with SafeLives.

SafeLives

SafeLives is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good. They work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. They listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of their thinking. They look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And they challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, nearly 11,000 professionals working on the frontline received training through SafeLives. Over 65,000 adults at risk of serious harm or murder and more than 85,000 children received support through dedicated multi-agency support designed by SafeLives and delivered with partners. In the last three years, over 1,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change by interventions the charity has created with partners, and for the charity that’s just the start.

15 years of SafeLives

In 2020 SafeLives is marking its 15th anniversary. Founded by Baroness Diana Barran MBE, in 2005, SafeLives quickly established the ‘best friend’ rule: if your best friend was experiencing domestic abuse, what would you want for them? 15 years later and now led by CEO, Suzanne Jacob OBE, the relationships SafeLives has built with organisations, frontline professionals and survivors of domestic abuse has helped tens of thousands of victims, survivors and whole families receive the support they need to become safe sooner and live the lives they want after abuse. Key achievements to date:

• SafeLives established the idea of the specialist Idva (independent domestic violence adviser), training more than 3,000 Idvas and Idaas (Scotland) to support those at the highest risk of serious harm or murder. After support from an Idva, 84% of victims felt safer.
• SafeLives piloted and embedded the idea of the Marac, the multi-agency risk assessment conference which brings together police, children’s services, health and other agencies to share information and develop safety plans for people at the highest risk of serious harm or murder – approximately 290 now operate across the UK, supporting 100,000 cases last year alone.
• SafeLives has trained over 27,500 police officers and staff in 20 forces across the UK to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse, driving real change in the police response.
• In the last three years, SafeLives has challenged nearly 1,500 perpetrators to change their behaviour through Drive, a partnership programme with Respect and Social Finance, and together with over 70 organisations and individuals called for a national perpetrator strategy to tackle domestic abuse at the root.
• SafeLives has heard from the voices of more than 400 victims and survivors who helped shape the charity’s response to the Domestic Abuse Bill and from over 1,000 men and boys who took part in a survey of attitudes to relationships and abuse.

Valentine’s Campaign: #ImASurvivor

The anniversary celebration also marks the launch of SafeLives’ #ImASurvivor Valentine’s campaign, which celebrates the collective strength and resilience of the survivor voice. The campaign builds on their #ImASurvivor video, which brought together survivors around the country to start a movement; challenging preconceptions about what a ‘victim’ or a ‘survivor’ is. Campaign video link: https://youtu.be/Vlvdd7AeDNw

The Duchess of Cornwall

The Duchess of Cornwall has highlighted the work of domestic abuse charities in the UK and overseas for over a decade. Most recently in November 2019, during Their Royal Highness’s tour of New Zealand, The Duchess joined a discussion on domestic violence in Auckland with local charities, survivors and national campaigners. She later met with a not for profit organisation in Christchurch, dedicated to supporting families to live violence free.

Her Royal Highness first learnt about the work of SafeLives during a visit to the charity at the beginning of 2016. The Duchess heard survivors’ traumatic stories and she was left with a desire to do what she could to help. As a result, in July 2016 a reception at Clarence House took place on this subject with representatives from SafeLives in attendance. In November 2017, Her Royal Highness was hosted by SafeLives at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, highlighting the work that the charity undertakes in conjunction with hospitals.

In April 2018, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, The Duchess attended the Women’s Forum where attendees, including Suzanne Jacob, CEO of SafeLives, discussed how employers can respond better in helping those suffering abuse. Domestic abuse survivor and SafeLives pioneer Rachel Williams was also present at the meeting. Her Royal Highness spoke about her experiences meeting survivors during her speech at the forum. The Duchess wrote a letter of support in August 2019 for the Stand Up to Domestic Abuse Conference, organised by Rachel Williams.

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

The wedding of Princess Beatrice and Mr. Mapelli Mozzi

7 February 2020

The wedding of HRH Princess Beatrice of York and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will take place on Friday 29 May 2020. The couple became engaged in Italy in September 2019.

Her Majesty The Queen has kindly given permission for the ceremony to take place at The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace.

The ceremony will be followed by a private reception, given by The Queen, in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

The Chapel Royal

The location for many Royal weddings and christenings the Chapel Royal, situated within the grounds of St James’s Palace, is a busy working chapel. The Chapel holds regular services which are open to the general public, as well as hosting some unique Royal services.

Many Royal weddings have taken place in the Chapel, including that of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg on 10 February 1840. In 1893 the then Duke of York and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (later King George V and Queen Mary) were married in the Chapel.

THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL WILL UNDERTAKE ENGAGEMENTS IN SUTTON

Thursday 6th February 2020

Engagement 1

The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Her Majesty’s Prison Downview to meet staff and inmates and to learn about the prison’s rehabilitation programmes.

HMP Downview is a closed prison in Sutton, Surrey, for women aged 18 and over. It is one of only 12 female prisons in the country. Her Royal Highness will hear from staff and offenders about their experiences and learn how the prison’s rehabilitation programmes are equipping women with employment skills ahead of their release. Among the initiatives, which Her Royal Highness will see first-hand, are:

• Max Spielmann Academy – an onsite shop where inmates are trained in up-to-date photographic industry techniques and given the opportunity to earn a customer service qualification.
• Making for Change – a fashion training and manufacturing unit established by the Ministry of Justice and London College of Fashion in 2014. The project produces daywear, accessories and homeware to an industry standard. It aims to increase wellbeing and reduce reoffending rates amongst participants by equipping them with professional skills within a supportive environment.
• Library/Reading groups – The library has recently started working with the National Literacy Trust, of which Her Royal Highness is Patron, to implement Books Unlocked. This programme is funded by the Booker Prize Foundation to help prisoners increase their enjoyment and frequency of reading by offering them the opportunity to read, discuss and own Man Booker Prize shortlisted titles. Other literacy initiatives at HMP Downview include Storybook Mums, which allows inmates to record a bedtime story for their children, and the two-week arts and literature festival, Penned Up.
• Clink charity kitchen – the kitchen supplies catering for external events in partnership with the corporation of London, giving inmates the opportunity to learn about food safety and preparation.

The Duchess of Cornwall previously visited HMP Styal in 2018, HMP Brixton in 2016 and HMP Erlestoke in 2014. Her Royal Highness also attended a tea reception at KPMG’s Mayfair Café to mark the 7th anniversary of the Books Unlocked programme in October 2019.

Engagement 2

The Duchess of Cornwall, President, Maggie’s, will visit the charity’s latest centre – Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden. Her Royal Highness will meet staff, volunteers and people supported by the charity, as well as those involved in the design of this new centre.

About Maggie’s

Maggie’s is a charity providing free cancer support and information in centres alongside NHS hospitals and online. Its centres provide a breathing space away from the hospital where visitors can meet people who understand what they are going through or just take a moment to gather their thoughts.

Maggie’s helps people take back control when cancer turns life upside down, with support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries. Their professional teams provide help and information and run groups and activities, all designed to make coping with cancer easier.

The unique buildings help people find the hope, determination and resources they need to face cancer. Visitors can also access trusted information through an online community and blog or find answers to questions in an online discussion forum.

Maggie’s believe everyone should have access to professional psychological and emotional support to help change the way they live with cancer.

The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996 and there are now 26 centres across the UK and internationally, with more planned for the future. The Duchess of Cornwall has been President of Maggie’s since 2008 and has visited 11 centres across England, Wales and Scotland.

Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden

The Royal Marsden treats 59,000 patients a year in its hospitals in Chelsea, London and Sutton, Surrey. Many of these patients will face tough questions, exhausting treatment and difficult emotions that can range from anxiety to loneliness and isolation. These challenges affect not only those with cancer, but their family and friends too.

Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden provides free cancer support for people with cancer and their family and friends, further enhancing The Royal Marsden’s world-leading treatment and care.

The centre has been designed by London-based studio Ab Rogers Design, with landscaping by world-renowned landscape architect, Piet Oudolf. The building comprises four fanning red terracotta volumes set in an idyllic garden. The interior is set around a courtyard and communal kitchen and connects to the garden throughout, ensuring it is filled with natural light.

The opening of Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden allows Maggie’s to extend its support even further across London, which sees over 28,000 cancer diagnoses a year. Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden expects to receive up to 25,000 visits a year.

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL WILL UNDERTAKE ENGAGEMENTS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Tuesday 11th February 2020

Engagement 1

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall and meet patients and staff.

On arrival, Their Royal Highnesses will be welcomed by Captain Alison Hofman QARNNS, Commanding Officer of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) and will be taken on a tour of the site.

The tour will include visiting some of the therapy areas and observing patients undertaking gym rehabilitation sessions. Their Royal Highnesses will also visit the Prosthetics workshop and hear from patients and staff about the range of multi-disciplinary clinical and therapy services available.

Their Royal Highnesses will then join a reception for staff and patients before unveiling a plaque to mark the visit.

Background

The new Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, known as ‘DMRC Stanford Hall’, is operated by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and began admitting patients in October 2018. The Centre delivers in-patient and residential rehabilitation to serving members of the Armed Forces for complex musculoskeletal disorders and injuries, including complex trauma, rehabilitation following neurological injury or illness and in-patient care for joint and soft-tissue disease.

It also provides education, research and training in military rehabilitation, hosting both the Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation and the Joint School of Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors.

The DMRC currently provides services to a small group of veterans in the form of the Complex Prosthetic Assessment Clinic (CPAC), which is a joint MOD and NHS England commissioned outpatient clinic.

DMRC Stanford Hall is part of the overall Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) programme which includes both a Defence element and proposals for a National (NHS) facility on the same site, sharing knowledge, expertise and some specialist facilities with the Defence establishment to mutual advantage. The Duke of Cambridge, who was Patron of the DNRC appeal, attended the official handover of the newly built Defence centre to the nation in June 2018. The National facility is progressing through a business case process which could see the facility operating in 2023, subject to relevant approvals.

Engagement 2

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Leicester Market where they will meet stallholders and members of a local women’s charity. Their Royal Highnesses will then attend a performance by local schoolchildren to celebrate the diversity of the city and unveil a commemorative plaque in the new market square.

The Prince of Wales, Royal Founding Patron, The British Asian Trust, will then attend a reception to launch the Midlands Chapter of the charity at The City Rooms.

Their Royal Highnesses will tour the covered market, meeting stallholders exhibiting local produce.

Her Royal Highness will meet staff and service users from the Shama Women’s Centre who will be exhibiting their crochet work at the market.

Their Royal Highnesses will then meet stallholders inside the Food Hall before moving onto the new market square, where they will pause to view the statue of Alice Hawkins, a leading English suffragette among the boot and shoe machinists of Leicester.

Their Royal Highnesses will then meet some of the children taking part in a musical performance organised by the Sparks Arts for Children Festival.

His Royal Highness will then be invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the naming of Green Dragon Square – the permanent new name for the new market square.

His Royal Highness will later attend a reception to launch the British Asian Trust’s Midlands Chapter. The Prince will meet supporters of the British Asian Trust from the area and community diaspora leaders from the British Asian Community.

Background 

Leicester Market:
Leicester Market operates 6 days per week, Monday – Saturday and has 150 stalls, 21 units and 1 Café. There has been a market on the present site for many centuries with the earliest document referring to a deed dating from 1298

Shama Women’s Centre:
Shama Women’s Centre was established in 1983 by a group of local women and its mission is to ‘empower women and girls to become more active educationally, economically and socially through a range of activities that develop their confidence, employability skills, health and well- being’. They provide a range of activities in a women’s only setting including a domestic abuse programme, bereavement counselling, business workshops and English language support.

Leicester Market Food Hall:
After the closure of the old food hall, this award-winning Food Hall opened in 2014 relocating 8 of the original traders from the old premises. The Hall offers a variety of food produce such as quality meat and poultry, artisan cheeses, cooked sliced meats, bacon and local pork pies as well as a wide selection of fish and seafood. The Food Hall was awarded Britain’s Best Food Market in 2015 from the National Association of British Markets and was the winner of the Best New Building from the Leicester Civic Society.

Green Dragon Square (the new market square):
The open-air market has been at the heart of the city’s commercial and social life for over 700 years with the legacy of trade continuing to this day. The square is named after the Green Dragon Inn, a medieval inn which stood on this site until the 1850s.

The Spark Arts for Children:
Spark Arts for Children is a charity based in Leicester for young people aged between 0 and 13 years old which runs the annual Sparks Arts for Children Festival. The Festival takes place each year over seven days in February; in schools, theatres, libraries and community venues across the city. The programme includes professional performances of dance, theatre and music in school and in venues, hands on workshops in the creative arts and free family drop in activities in city venues, community centres and libraries. Complementing these activities are the school music and poetry projects, giving pupils the opportunity to collaborate and perform with world class artists.

The Statue of Alice Hawkins:
Alice Hawkins was born in Stafford in 1863, but spent much of her life in Leicester, working as a shoe machinist. She was a key figure in the Leicestershire Women’s Suffrage Society and was arrested and imprisoned many times as a result of militant action she took in her fight for women’s rights. A statue of Alice Hawkins was unveiled in February 2018 to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, the act that gave all men and some women the right to vote. The 7-foot tall, 800-pound bronze statue was created by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn and was cast in a foundry in London. It stands on a 4-foot granite plinth and was erected near to the spot where Alice would have stood when she addressed the public on the topic of women’s suffrage. Alice died in Leicester in 1946 and is buried in Welford Road cemetery.

British Asian Trust:
The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007, by HRH The Prince of Wales and a group of British Asian business leaders, to tackle widespread poverty, inequality and injustice in South Asia. This reception will launch the British Asian Trust’s Midlands Chapter.

Engagement 3

The Duchess of Cornwall, President of Royal Voluntary Service, will visit Leicester General Hospital to take part in the Royal Voluntary Service’s “Big Trolley Push”.

On arrival Her Royal Highness will be welcomed by University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Chairman, Karamjit Singh CBE. She will visit the Royal Voluntary Service shop where she will meet staff and volunteers. She will be accompanied by Elaine Page OBE, an ambassador of the Royal Voluntary Service and will join a trolley shop round with veteran volunteer John Thompson, meeting staff and patients on Ward 22.

Background 

The Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with nearly 20,000 volunteers supporting thousands of people each month in hospitals and in the community. The simple acts of kindness provided by the volunteers, whether popping in for tea and a chat, helping out with a lift to a GP or social appointment or running chair-based exercises on ward to prevent pyjama paralysis, help make communities stronger and relieve the pressure on overstretched public services.

Royal Voluntary Service has had a shop and trolley service at the Leicester General hospital since the mid-1970s. Over 75 volunteers support the two services, with eight volunteers taking out the trolley five days a week to 13 wards.

The service is all the more vital as NHS nurses recently identified two fifths of patients see no visitors at all during their stay in hospital which can have a detrimental effect on their health and speed of recovery.

About The Big Trolley Push:
The Royal Voluntary Service are launching a campaign to get more volunteers supporting the NHS, in particular by taking the trolley shop out on hospital wards. Trolley volunteers take trolleys loaded with reading materials, healthy refreshments, treats, toiletries and other essentials around hospital wards. They chat with patients, helping ease the anxiety and sometimes loneliness experienced during a hospital stay, particularly by older people.

Ward 22, Leicester General Hospital:
Ward 22 is a major surgical ward and cares for patients following surgery for bowel and biliary conditions. The Ward is overseen by Matron, Penny Franklin, who has worked for 35 years as a Nurse at Leicester’s Hospitals. The RVS trolley is one of the highlights of the day for patients. Staff and Nurses on the Ward are very appreciative of the commitment of the RVS volunteers and the support they give to patients.

Engagement 4 

The Prince of Wales will visit the Soane Britain Workshop, Britain’s last rattan workshop, to view a series of demonstrations from craftsmen and women.

His Royal Highness will be welcomed to the Soane Britain Workshop by Founder and Creative Director of Soane Britain, Mrs Lulu Lytle. The Prince will receive a tour of the workshop where he will be introduced to the rich history of weaving in Leicester.

He will tour the factory to view demonstrations from the craftsmen and women, including the technique of bending cane and rattan weaving to produce Rattan furniture.

His Royal Highness will then unveil a commemorative plaque to mark his visit.

Background 

In 2010, after 8 years working with Angraves, the last rattan workshop in England, Lulu Lytle, Founder and Creative Director of Soane Britain, received news that it was going into administration. She bought the site in 2011 and the team of two craftsmen working in the Leicestershire workshop now numbers 14, with 3 rattan furniture makers having a combined 130 years’ experience between them.

The Soane weavers make a wide variety of rattan designs, from sofas, chairs, tables and desks through to mirrors and lights.

For a brief film of the workshop please visit: https://www.soane.co.uk/craftsmanship/rattan-weavers/

Engagement 5 

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit The Cambridge Satchel Company where they will tour the workshop with founder, Julie Deane OBE.

Their Royal Highnesses will be welcomed to the factory by Julie Dean OBE, CEO and founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company.

Their Royal Highnesses will tour the factory floor meeting staff and viewing each stage of the production process. Whilst on the tour, His Royal Highness will emboss a piece of leather with The Prince’s Foundation logo using an antique embossing machine.

Their Royal Highnesses will then join a reception with staff where Her Royal Highness will be invited to cut a commemorate cake and His Royal Highness will unveil a commemorative plaque.

Background 

The Cambridge Satchel Company is the original satchel company founded in 2008 by Julie Deane OBE. Having invested just £600 initially, the company has become a worldwide phenomenon, committed to preserving British manufacturing.

The Cambridge Satchel Company bags are handmade at their factory in Syston, Leicestershire, and range from classic satchels with a twist to backpacks, handbags and small leather goods. Collaborations with international designers including Comme des Garçons, Inès de La Fressange and Vivienne Westwood have contributed to the brand becoming a heritage label known for their iconic IT bag, the satchel.

More recently, The Cambridge Satchel Company have created collections in support of The Prince’s Foundation, The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust and The Royal Opera House and Harris Tweed.

The Cambridge Satchel Company are proud to be working with The Prince’s Foundation to create a collection of iconic satchels and other styles with 20 percent of the RRP of each bag sold being donated to help support the invaluable work of the Foundation. The Prince’s Foundation is a charity dedicated to achieving HRH The Prince of Wales’s ambition of creating harmonious communities through education, practice and places.

The collection will launch in all of The Cambridge Satchel Company stores and website from the end of February 2020.

To commemorate the Royal Visit to the Syston factory, HRH The Prince of Wales will be presented with a bespoke canvas and leather Gardening Bag and leather Highland Cow Key Charm. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will be presented with a small Traveller Bag crafted in Harris Tweed and Brandy colour leather, The Doctors Bag in French Grey leather, and a special edition Bee Key Charm.

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL VISITS BARNARDO’S CHILD AND SEXUAL ABUSE EXPLOITATION SERVICES

Tuesday 4th February

The Duchess of Cornwall, President, Barnardo’s will visit the Barnardo’s Child and Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Services.

Barnardo’s:

Barnardo’s works to support vulnerable children in the UK and every year helps thousands of families to build a better future. Last year around 300,000 children, young people, parents and carers were supported by Barnardo’s through more than 1,000 services across the UK.

The Duchess of Cornwall has been President of Barnardo’s since 2007.

TIGER:

Trauma Informed Growth & Empowered Recovery (TIGER) services in London supported two hundred and thirty-four people in 2018/19. TIGER is an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach that builds on expertise developed by Barnardo’s over the last 25 years to improve the lives of children and young people who have been sexually assaulted, abused and exploited.

The approach is designed to provide children and young people with the narrative to understand and express their experiences and coach them to recovery through empathetic listening, emotional regulation, positive psychology and personal goal setting. Programmes of support are individually tailored to the needs of the child or young person and usually involve weekly face to face meetings over an agreed time period. Sessions are also offered with parents and carers to help them understand trauma and develop their own coaching and coping skills.

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL MEET PRINCE’S TRUST YOUNG PEOPLE AT TK MAXX TOOTING

Tuesday 4th February 2020

The Prince of Wales, President, The Prince’s Trust, will visit TK Maxx Tooting to meet with Prince’s Trust alumni who are now employed at the store.

On arrival at TK Maxx Tooting, The Prince of Wales will be greeted by Dame Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust Group, and Louise Greenlees, President, TJX Europe. His Royal Highness will then move inside the store to meet with young people and their mentors who have participated in TK Maxx’s Get into Retail programme with The Prince’s Trust on the shop floor. The Prince will then move upstairs, off the shop floor, and join a discussion with The Prince’s Trust supported young people to hear about what it’s like to be a young Londoner today and the challenges they have overcome to gain stable employment.

The Prince’s Trust empowers young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to live, learn and earn. The charity has helped more than 950,000 young people since it was founded by The Prince of Wales in 1976 and supports over 100 more each day. Three in four of these young people move into work, training or education. Since 1983, The Prince’s Trust has helped over 86,000 young people across the UK to start their own business.

TK Maxx has supported The Prince’s Trust since 2013 and operated a partnership with the charity that has helped over 1,000 young people through their Get into Retail programme. It has offered specialist training and roles to over 700 of these young people, many of whom remain employees in TK Maxx stores.

Catch up on The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s most recent engagements, in the latest issue of Royal Life magazine.

THE QUEEN WILL VISIT RAF MARHAM

Monday 3rd February 2020

Her Majesty The Queen, Honorary Air Commodore, will visit Royal Air Force Marham in Norfolk on Monday 3rd February.