The Royal Week 5-9 February 2024

Tuesday 6 February

The Princess Royal visited the Nottingham knitwear manufacturer, G.H. Hurt & Son as President of the U.K. Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).

During the visit, The Princess Royal was shown how G.H. Hurt & Son make their knitted lace pieces which are sold from Nottingham to customers all over the world. A lace knitted shawl made at the manufacturer would take at least 8 pairs of artisan skilled hands and up to 2 days to make.

After unveiling a commemorative plague, Her Royal Highness presented  a long service award to Reg Robbins, Head Mechanic, for 53 years continual service with G.H.Hurt & Son.

At the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, held at the Science Museum, The Princess Royal met this year’s winners: Henrik Stiesdal and Andrew Garrad.

Henrik and Andrew were awarded The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for their work on advancing the design, manufacture, and deployment of Modern Wind Turbine Technology – the world’s largest rotating machines.

Congratulations Henrik and Andrew!

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of The UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association (UKAFWSA), has been in Méribel, France this week. 

Her Royal Highness thanked UKAFWSA coaches, mentors, and staff, recognising their important work in providing service personnel with sporting opportunities and vital recuperation and focus beyond their operational commitments.

The Duchess also met representatives from The Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST). AFPST uses adaptive Snowsports to enhance the recovery of the UK's wounded, injured, and sick military personnel; both serving and veteran.

Wednesday 7 February

As Colonel in Chief of The Royal Logistics Corps, The Princess Royal has visited the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training Regiment in Bicester.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness watched a training demonstrations with diving equipment in the nearby lake, met military working dogs and search instructors and heard more about the specialist work being done by the Regiment.

The Prince of Wales attended the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala where he met with crew members, former patients and supporters, before delivering a short speech. 

The Princess Royal then visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Headquarters for the first time as their President.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness toured the building and the CWGC's archives, learning more about the organisation's history, as well as its major projects, opportunities, and challenges in preserving the memory of those who have passed away for future generations.

Last month, The Princess Royal made her first official visit to a CWGC cemetery as President of the Commission, laying a wreath and speaking with staff at the Jawatta Cemetery in Sri Lanka, Colombo.

In his speech, His Royal Highness thanked the public for their "kind messages of support" for The Princess of Wales and His Majesty The King.

The Prince of Wales was also joined by Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who is a long term supporter of the charity.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of the National Youth Theatre attended their annual Gala on Wednesday. 

His Royal Highness joined guests to celebrate the work of the organisation which supports emerging young talent in creative industries.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester toured the new facilities before officially opening Heathside School. 

His Majesty joined a Science Lesson on energy changes during chemical reactions and enjoyed a performance by the School Choir before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

The Duke then visited the former home and garden of 20th century British horticulturist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, Munstead Wood. 

His Royal Highness learnt of how the National Trust have acquired Munstead Wood and plans to provide public access in the future.

The Duke presented the King’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation to ipTEST-a leading developer and manufacturer of high-volume production testers for all types of discrete power semiconductors. During the visit, The Duke had the pleasure of meeting Purchasing, Admin, Shipping, Software and Support teams.

Thursday 8 February

As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, The Princess Royal visited London-based Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre to see how it is benefiting children in the local area.

During the visit, which marks 35 years of the centre, The Princess royal met staff of the centre and children who have benefited from the work at the Centre.

The British Horse Society is an equestrian charity which makes a positive impact on the lives of horses and horse owners with wide-ranging campaigns and initiatives across education, welfare, access and safety.

At the Production Guild of Great Britain Talent Showcase, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh presented the Duke of Edinburgh Film and TV Inclusion Award to Million Youth Media, an organisation offering training and development to the next generation of filmmakers and under-represented talent.

The Duke of Edinburgh Film & TV Inclusion Award is an important initiative that shines a light on the inspirational work that is helping foster and progress talent inclusion in Britain’s screen production workforce.

Her Majesty The Queen, attended a Musical Evening at Salisbury Cathedral to celebrate the work of local charities including The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, The Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and Community First – Youth Action Wiltshire, as well as the regimental charities of The Grenadier Guards and The Rifles. 

The event saw award-winning concert pianist Rupert Egerton-Smith perform alongside The Band of The Grenadier Guards and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. 

Friday 9 February

The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal hosted Investiture Ceremonies at Windsor Castle – congratulations to all those who received their Honours!