The Prince of Wales arrived in to Cardiff Central Rail Station by Royal Train pulled by a steam locomotive, and was greeted by local schoolchildren and young people from The Prince’s Trust in Wales.
Later that day, The Prince of Wales, Patron, visited City Hospice to meet with patients and families as well as staff and volunteers at Whitchurch Hospital Grounds, Park Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff.
The Prince of Wales has been Patron of City Hospice since 1998. During the visit His Royal Highness met with volunteers who give their time to support the hospice including gardeners, the counselling team and those who provide complementary therapies such as reflexology.
The Prince also met Luan and her children Lara and Connor. Luan lost her husband to cancer earlier this year.
Liz Andrews, Chief Executive of City Hospice, would like to thank Prince Charles and Clarence House for the visit:
“We were thrilled to welcome HRH to the hospice today to showcase the vital work we do and how we support patients and families across Cardiff. It was such a special time for our patients, families, volunteers and supporters so a big thank you for making that happen.”
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama went on to host a special performance, attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, in celebration of his 70th birthday.
The concert in the Dora Stoutzker Hall featured a selection of music and drama performances, showcasing the talents of the College’s young artists. Emmy-award winner Matthew Rhys, International Chair of Drama at the College, introduced the event. Guests included Owen Teale, Catrin Finch and graduate Hugo Blick, as well as students, staff, supporters and friends of the College.
His Royal Highness became the College’s Patron in 1999, prior to its royal status being granted in 2002
The College marked the occasion of His Royal Highnesses’ birthday by announcing the renewal of the annual Prince of Wales Scholarships, which will be awarded from 2019 onwards from the College’s developing endowment, and the start of a partnership working with The Prince’s Trust.
It was also announced that The Prince of Wales will be the Patron of World Harp Congress 2020, which will be held at the College. His Royal Highness talked with Catrin Finch, Artistic Director of WHC 2020 in front of the 13 harps played by the College’s harp students, with Royal Harpist Anne Denholm performing on the Royal Harp.
RWCMD Principal Professor Helena Gaunt reflected on this prestigious end to her first term at the College:
“We are honoured and delighted to be hosting this celebration for His Royal Highness at the Royal Welsh College. We are so grateful for the close and active interest he takes as our Patron in our work, and in the development of the College. Best of all is that our students benefit directly from this very special relationship – from scholarships in his name to extraordinary opportunities to perform at Buckingham Palace and his home in West Wales.
“The College is also able to lead initiatives such as RWCMD’s Orchestradventure! through support from The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund, allowing hundreds of primary school children to experience live music in the College’s full symphony orchestra tour of Wales.”
