Continuing our new series focussing on the work of the minor Royals, we look at what The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Duke of Kent, and Princess Alexandra have been up to this last week.
The Duke of Gloucester unveils church gates & attends peace concert
For the first of his three engagements this week, The Duke of Gloucester traveled to St. George’s Garrison Church in Woolwich, on April 11th.
The Duke unveiled new gates for the historic church to commemorate the long and magnificent military history of the Royal Artillery in Woolwich. The beautiful blue and yellow security gates were specially commissioned for the church. St. George’s Church was designed by Thomas H. Wyatt and was built between 1862 – 1863 for the Royal Artillery soldiers. Many people from the surrounding community gathered with Prince Richard to take part in the reveal.
Unveiling of new church gates at St. George’s Garrison Church. Photo courtesy of Trinity Walk
Unveiling of new security gates at St. George’s Garrison Church . Photo courtesy of Trinity Walk
As Royal Patron of the Peace and Prosperity Trust, The Duke of Gloucester, along with The Duchess, attended the “Eastern Voices Western Echoes – Magic of the Music ” concert that evening, at Kensington Palace. Established in 1994, the trust promotes young artists using the international language of music and also raises funds and awareness for charitable projects. The Peace and Prosperity Trust helps young artists from not only the Middle East but the Western World, too.
The concerts put on by the trust provided an opportunity for artists to showcase their abilities on an international stage and allow them to work with other globally renowned musicians. Additionally, a specific charity is affiliated with each concert in order to help them work towards prosperity and peace in the Middle East.
Duke of Gloucester presented the British Expertise International Awards
Finally, The Duke of Gloucester finished up his engagements on April 12th, in London. As President of British Expertise, the Duke presented the British Expertise International Awards at the Royal Garden Hotel on Kensington High Street. Sponsored by the BRE Group, creative and inventive individuals dedicated to elevating the standards of built environment, the British Expertise Awards not only recognise but celebrate the outstanding achievements internationally by companies in the U.K.’s professional services sector. British Expertise consequently plays a very important role in many vital infrastructure and developmental projects around the world.
The Duke of Kent at Surrey graduation
For his part of this week’s engagements, The Duke of Kent travelled to The University of Surrey. Presently, he is Chancellor of the University of Surrey and has been since June of 1976.
The Duke presided over the Postgraduate Degree Ceremonies on 12th April at Guildford Cathedral. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mr. Christopher Biddell, was in attendance as well.
Congratulations to all our Postgraduate students attending their graduation ceremonies today! We hope you have a fantastic day and enjoy the celebrations #ForeverSurrey pic.twitter.com/O4EiO1RaWX
— Forever Surrey (@SurreyAlumni) April 12, 2018
As a public research university, the University of Surrey specialises in science, engineering, business, and medicine, with 96.9% of the graduates entering employment or further education within six months of graduation.
Princess Alexandra opens Boathouse restaurant and shop in Dumfries
Finishing off this week’s engagements, Princess Alexandra journeyed to the town of Glencaple, Dumfries to open the much-anticipated new Boathouse Restaurant and Shop.
Located on the quay, The Boathouse offers picturesque views of Glencaple, as well as the River Nith. Due to a fire that ravaged the original site in September 2016, The Boathouse has undergone extensive renovations in order to create the cozy, new bistro-like restaurant.
In addition to the Caerlaverock community, police officers from surrounding Nithsdale, Annan, and Eskdale joined the Princess to celebrate the restaurant’s opening on 14th April.
Princess Alexandra opens The Boathouse Restaurant and Shop in Glencaple, Dumfries, Scotland. Photo courtesy of David Mundell
Princess Alexandra opens the new Boathouse Restaurant and Shop. Photo courtesy of David Mundell
