Prince Edward Visits the Island

The Earl of Wessex makes a 'flying visit'

Upon arriving at Lugleys Restaurant, his royal highness was introduced to Leader of the Council, Councillor Andy Sutton, Clerk to the Lieutenancy and newly appointed Chief Executive, Mr Joe Duckworth along with the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Charles Chapman amongst others. A working lunch was then held for the prince alongside committee members of St Thomas’ Church during which time improvements to the restoration programme were outlined.

A warm welcome awaited HRH at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Unfortunately for the prince, the business lunch over-ran somewhat and he was obliged to forego his dessert in order to ensure arrival at his next engagement on time! The Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Reverend David Brindley who was representing the Bishop of Portsmouth, joined his Royal Highness at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. Upon arriving at the entrance to the hospice, the prince was greeted by Chief Executive Alan Horwell who then escorted him into the building to meet several senior members of the medical and nursing staff who accompanied him into the new ward and introduced him to delighted patients and relatives.

The main purpose of Prince Edward’s visit to the Earl Mountbatten Hospice was to unveil a plaque to commemorate the total redevelopment of the new in-patient ward and day-hospice. iwight.com accompanied his Royal Highness throughout his tour of this most invaluable Island resource and you can see how he got on by visiting our photo gallery via the tab at the top of this page. A large percentage of the funds that were needed to pay for the new ward were generated by events such as Walk the Wight, which you can read more about within this, our Events of the Year 2006 section.

"I do hope that my being here hasn't put you out"

The Earl of Wessex charmed patients and volunteers alike during his visit to the hospice as he casually chatted to each of them in turn amidst a very relaxed and jovial atmosphere.

Unsuspecting staff manning the reception desk were also given a change to shine as the prince caught sight of Barbara, a hospice volunteer with a bruised face resulting from a recent fall. Appearing concerned, he stopped to enquire after what she had been doing in order to receive such a blow! The prince also was heard to say to members of staff on several occasions that he hoped his visit hadn't caused them any inconvenience if it had meant them coming into work on their days-off.

Having been invited to sign the visitor’s book, the prince proceeded to a specially erected marquee in which day patients, trustees, staff and volunteers were gathered together along with various other invited guests. After enjoying a well-deserved cup of tea, The Chairman of the Trustees, Mr Hibberd escorted His Royal Highness to the platform where he was invited to unveil the plaque. This he did following several light-hearted comments as to how he hoped he would be able to perform this duty whilst avoiding disaster, which caused much laughter amongst everyone present.

A very demanding itinerary

The party then departed the hospice for Haseley Manor where Prince Edward was shown around their reserve before being asked to plant an oak tree to commemorate his visit to the manor. Thereafter His Royal Highness received a short tour of the house to view the newly discovered mediaeval wall decoration.

At around 4pm Prince Edward departed Haseley Manor for Brading Roman Villa where he was greeted at the gate by Anthony Turnball, Chairman of the Oglander Roman Trust amidst a group of local children who were lining the road to catch a glimpse of the Royal visitor.

This was in fact the second time in three years that the Earl of Wessex had visited the popular Island attraction. This time though his visit was two-fold. He came to see Brading Roman Villa’s impressive new exhibition and visitor’s centre along with examples of the many fundraising efforts, which took place in order to achieve it. The prince’s father; the Duke of Edinburgh opened the exhibition centre last July and it was without any doubt that the prince himself will have seen a dramatic change in this award-winning heritage site which now allows for enhanced appreciation and display of artefacts and educational services.

Following a brief rest-period, His Royal Highness arrived back in Newport at 6pm for a church service at St Thomas’ in the square where Canon Stephen Palmer, Vicar of Newport, met him. Following the service, Prince Edward was escorted to the Vestry for the signing of the register and a photo call. A reception was later held in St Thomas’ Church before the Earl of Wessex departed by car for the helipad at Seaclose where his visit to the Island drew to a close.

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