The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall had an extremely busy day yesterday, as they continue their week-long tour of Wales. This year, Their Royal Highness annual summer tour of the principality coincides with the 50th anniversary of the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales; he is the longest holder of the title in British history.
In the morning, the future King visited South Wales Police Headquarters in Bridgend to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the South Wales Police Force. Upon his arrival, looking very dapper in a pin-stripe suit, Charles was welcomed by police officers and introduced to some of the forces longest-serving officers, police chaplains, staff members and volunteers from various units of the Police Force who talked about their own roles within the police.
Prince Charles meets staff and volunteers – CLARENCE HOUSE
The Prince of Wales was introduced to Matt Jukes, the Chief Constable of South Wales Police and Alun Michael, the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner. The Prince even found the time to greet well wishers who had been waiting outside to catch a glimpse of him.
Charles toured the Heritage Centre and Public Service Centre where he was introduced to the technology at the very heart of modern-day frontline policing. He even enjoyed a taste of life at the front-end by trying on a headset and listening in on one of the calls to the centre.
The Prince of Wales expressed his admiration for the police force saying, “It has been a great joy today to have the chance to meet so many of those who put so much dedication, experience and expertise into the job of keeping people safe in the community.”
Prince Charles is introduced to modern policing technology – CLARENCE HOUSE
The Prince, 70, unveiled a plaque to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Force and before he left was presented with a gift by the Chief Constable.
? @CCMattJukes: “This force, which I am so very proud to lead today, has learned so much and achieved so much over the past 50 years.
“It is highly fitting that HRH The Prince of Wales @ClarenceHouse is with us today. He has been a great friend to the service.”
^hs pic.twitter.com/fIMeMgPvLF
— South Wales Police (@swpolice) July 2, 2019
The Prince of Wales then headed to The Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant where he received a wonderful welcome. His Royal Highness, along with Royal College of Nursing Chief Executive, Donna Kinnair, officially launched the Royal College of Nursing ‘Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme’.
A wonderful welcome at The Royal Glamorgan Hospital, where HRH officially launched @theRCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme.
The scheme will contribute to the development and preparation of young people to develop skills for life and employment in nursing. @RCNWales pic.twitter.com/L4HGeHULBU
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 2, 2019
The scheme is intended to inspire young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by giving them access to opportunities for academic study and hands-on experience in the health sector. It combines 105 hours of guided learning along with clinical placements and is open for cadets between the ages of 16-25. Once a cadet has successfully completed the foundation phase of the course, they will be offered a guaranteed interview for a healthcare support worker position.
The scheme, in conjunction with the Army Cadet Force, is being piloted across Wales this year.
Prince Charles arrives at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant to officially launch the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme @RCNWales @theRCN @ITVWales pic.twitter.com/MhxTI1KGYt
— James Crichton-Smith (@JCrichtonSmith) July 2, 2019
The Prince said, “I’m enormously proud to have myself associated with The Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme and hearing about the plans to expand it is enormously encouraging”.
#HRH the Prince of #Wales officially launched @theRCN Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme at the #Royal #Glamorgan Hospital today.@RCNWales @ClarenceHouse
The scheme will help the young people to develop skills for life and employment in #nursing:https://t.co/ZFTwCTZgmR pic.twitter.com/9BzyjVRtpn
— National Health Executive (@nhenews) July 2, 2019
Meanwhile, as President of The Royal Voluntary Service, The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Dolau Bran Lunch Club in Llandovery to celebrate their milestone 40th anniversary. The lunch club is run completely by RVS volunteers who freely give their time to offer vital community services to older people of the area, who can come to enjoy a hot meal whilst meeting old and new friends.
Camilla met many of the volunteers and members of the local community who use the lunch club’s services. Her Royal Highness was entertained by the local school and there was even a celebratory cake!
Recent research by the RVS has discovered that more than 1.6 million older people eat lunch and their evening meal along every day. The Dolau Bran Lunch Club provides a vital service to not only make friends, but build a support system and keep social connections.
“I’m so glad I was able to come here to celebrate with you all.”
The Duchess wishes a happy 100th birthday to Lunch Club member Irene. ? pic.twitter.com/JQjxTmYe3H
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 2, 2019
Prince Charles is patron of The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and in the evening, to end a busy day, the Prince and Duchess threw open the doors of their Welsh home, Llwynywermod, just outside the Brecon Beacons, to host an evening of music and drama.
There was be performances by tenor Wynne Evans along with students and musicians from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
The event also saw the debut performance of the newly- appointed Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales, Alis Hughes. She is the sixth harpist to hold this prestigious title since The Prince of Wales restored the tradition in 2000 to foster and encourage Welsh talent on the harp, which is the national instrument of Wales.
Alis was presented with the Royal Harpists Brooch during the evening and had this to say about her new title, “It’s a great honour and privilege to have been given this unique opportunity. I am passionate about my Welsh heritage and I would hope to use this platform to be an ambassador for our language, music and culture.”
Embed from Getty Images
Embed from Getty Images
The royal couple will undertake over 20 engagements during Wales Week this year with a focus on meeting people across the country and celebrating the work of charities and other organisations.
