The Duke of Gloucester spent the day in Birmingham yesterday, visiting the Assay Office, attended a British Empire Medal investiture, as well as visiting Shree Geeta Bhawan Temple, to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
The Birmingham Assay Office is one of four assay offices in the UK, located in the Jewellery Quarter, which is responsible for testing nickel, analysing metals, determining the thickness of gold and silver plating, certifying precious metal bullion, and consulting on precious metals.
Our Wardens, esteemed guests & team were proud to welcome HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester to @TheAssayOffice & @Academy1773 today! pic.twitter.com/7zctLrfwDf
— AnchorCert Academy (@Academy1773) September 12, 2017
The Birmingham Assay Office used to stamp products that had been tested with a small anchor hallmark, to prove its credentials. The Duke had a go at assaying himself, marking the plaque he unveiled!
The Assay Office in Birmingham is managed by an appointed board of 36 ‘Guardians of the Standard of Wrought Plate in Birmingham’, six to nine of which must work in the metals industry. Prince Richard visited the new building, which he opened in 2015, as part of his many official visits to the city.
Honoured to host HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester @TheAssayOffice today; especially pleased to have a plaque marked by HRH himself! pic.twitter.com/d3OCOIL2TA
— The Assay Master (@TheAssayMaster) September 12, 2017
Prince Richard also attended a British Empire Medal investiture event at the Council House in Victoria Square in the city centre, the home of Birmingham City Council. These investitures are where BEM awards are officially handed out to those awarded the medals, usually for dedication to local causes and charity campaigning.
WHAT IS AN MBE? HONOURS EXPLAINED
Finishing a busy day, the Duke also visited the Shree Geeta Bhawan Temple, a Sikh Temple celebrating its 50th anniversary. He was welcomed into the temple as worshippers were praying.
