Prince Harry has visited Silverstone motor racing circuit today where he met students at a specialist college and launched construction of a new visitor experience.
Harry’s first stop was at the Silverstone Circuit’s University Technical College in Northamptonshire.
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The Technical College, located on the side of the world-famous motor racing circuit, opened in September 2013; it is an educational facility for 14-18 year-olds, who want to pursue careers in high-performance engineering, and business and technical events management.
The Prince made his way through various workshops at the college, speaking to students and to some of the alumni who have formed successful careers in the industry.
prince harry chats to students who are training at the silverstone technical college (kensington palace)
The Royal then made his way to a hangar, where a new state-of-the-art visitor and educational centre is due to be built. Harry, who is patron of the Silverstone Experience was there to launch the beginning of its construction.
Iconic motor racing items were put on display for the royal visit, including a 1948 Formula One car, a Mercedes model set to be used in this year’s world championship and five medals won by British driver James Hunt.
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The attraction is due to open in spring 2019 and is designed to bring the extensive heritage of Silverstone and British motor racing to life.
Prince Harry, whose fiancee Meghan Markle did not accompany him today, has visited Silverstone on a number of occasions before, including 1994 when he accompanied his mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales, when she presented to winning trophy at that year’s British Grand Prix.
Marking the official launch of construction, Harry made a short speech in which he stressed the importance of developing young peoples’ skills and education in the areas of science and technology.
Prince Harry has made several visits to @SilverstoneUK before. In 1994, he accompanied his mother Diana, Princess of Wales to present the trophy at the Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/9b2tbGOZ1q
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 7, 2018
The Royal began: “It is well known that Great Britain is a world leader in high performance engineering and motor racing engineering in particular – as well as having some great drivers as well, but it is no exaggeration to say that, unless we encourage more young people to study science, technology, engineering and maths it will be impossible for us to continue to lead in this field.”
“I am really encouraged to have seen the state of the art facilities and equipment in the Silverstone University Technical College, but more significantly, to have met the enthusiastic young people currently studying there, as well as those who have gone on to start their careers with leading employers in the motorsport industry.”
“When it opens in fourteen months’ time, it will tell the story of Silverstone, the history of British motor racing and the pivotal role which Great Britain plays in motorsport today.
“The Silverstone Experience will be a fascinating and exhilarating visitor attraction, based here at the home of British Motor Racing,” he said.
“I am sure that it will help to engage children in engineering by making that all important connection between their text books and the excitement and thrills of motorsport.
“I am delighted to announce the start of the construction phase of the project – and look forward to returning in 2019 to open the Silverstone Experience,” the Prince added.
HRH made a short speech before pressing the green light on the start of the construction of the new centre, which will use the latest technology to tell the story of @SilverstoneUK & British motor racing. pic.twitter.com/Obag77apsj
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 7, 2018
Harry, standing in front of a gantry with Grand Prix starting lights on then pressed a button to change the lights from red to green and officially start the construction project.
Yesterday it was revealed in a poll that Harry is regarded by Britons as the most relatable member of the Royal Family, followed by Meghan.
