The Duchess of Cornwall enjoyed a day of engagements in Aberdeen on Wednesday, as she opened the terminal extension at Aberdeen International Airport, and visited a local school’s harvest festival.
Camilla was greeted with bagpipes as she arrived at Aberdeen Airport, met firefighters and staff before touring a new passenger lounge
camilla, duchess of cornwall, opened aberdeen airport’s extension )calrence house)
The Duchess also spent time in the arrivals hall and luggage claim, talking to some surprised passengers. Sandra and Wade Nelson were collecting their bags after a holiday flight from the US, and were somewhat in awe of the cameras following the Royal.
“I was brought up in Canada and the royals are followed pretty closely,” said. “She was lovely. It’s something to tell our friends when we go home.”
Of course, part of the engagement involved a plaque unveiling, to mark the opening.
Camilla, also known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, said: “This is a beautiful part of the world and I might be a bit biased but I’d say it’s my favourite airport.
“The service is always fantastic for my family and friends. It’s an enormous pleasure to be here and congratulations on all the hard work.”
Aberdeen International Airport first announced plans for a large-scale transformation project in 2014 and construction of the new extension began in 2016.
The extension has added almost 50% more space to the terminal building and the opening marks the completion of the first phase of work which will be fully completed in 2019, as part of a £20 million project.
The Duchess of Rothesay officially opened our new terminal extension today. See the full video here: https://t.co/MGowb2hXiK @ClarenceHouse pic.twitter.com/JyNNcyBL0C
— Aberdeen Airport ✈ (@ABZ_Airport) October 4, 2017
Camilla also met staff involved in the building project, and even the airport’s robot, Pepper Robot. She was entertained by its dancing, the way passengers are are greeted in the terminal.
Carol Benzie, Managing Director of the airport, said: “Her Royal Highness was here today to mark the official opening of the extension of the terminal which is the first phase of a complete transformation that will be completed by 2019.
“She was shown our new Northern Lights Executive Lounge, the new international arrivals area, the domestic baggage reclaim area and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occassion.
“The Royal family fly in and out when they’re going to Balmoral quite frequently, so we had to put the request in, hoping somebody would be able to attend the occasion. They were very keen to be involved and she was very effusive in her praise for the airport and the staff and the service she receives. She actually said it was her favourite airport, so we’ll take that at face value!”
Prince Charles’ wife then travelled to Aboyne Academy nearby, to meet students, where she was also greeted with the traditional instrument.
The royal guest attended their Harvest Festival celebration, ‘Harvest Time for Everyone: Giving and Sharing’. The Duchess watched a performance by children from each of the schools, and was shown colourful harvest displays which reflected the theme of giving.
A great Harvest Festival celebration at @aboyneacad with Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay. @ClarenceHouse pic.twitter.com/OAme20DTpi
— Provost Howatson (@ProvostAbdnshre) October 4, 2017
