Duke of Gloucester visits Royal Pavilion in Brighton

His Royal Highness Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, is the royal patron of Brighton and Hove Museums, which oversees the Royal Pavilion.

Yesterday, March 27, he visited the pavilion to learn about the ongoing renovation works and speak with key figures from the organisation. 

The duke was welcomed by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, before meeting local dignitaries, including the High Sheriff of East Sussex, the mayor of Brighton and Hove and Hedley Swain, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Museums.

The Duke of Gloucester, second from right, outside the Royal Pavilion (Image: David McHugh)His Royal Highness also toured the Royal Pavilion garden to hear about the National Heritage Lottery funded project to restore it and met the head gardener, volunteers and representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

He was shown round the pavilion’s interior and met key staff members, including some of the longest-serving employees.

Mr Swain said: “We are delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to the Royal Pavilion.

The Duke meets Brighton and Hove Mayor Cllr Mohammed Asaduzzaman (Image: David McHugh)

“His visit highlights the significance of our ongoing restoration work and the dedication of our team in preserving this historic landmark for future generations.”

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Brighton and Hove’s mayor, Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman, said: “The Royal Pavilion is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Brighton and Hove and its gardens provide a unique public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“There’s always something new to experience when visiting our royal palace, both inside and out, and with major restoration work beginning to transform the garden, it’s an exciting time to be welcoming a royal visitor.”

The Duke visits the Royal Pavilion in Brighton with curator Alexandra Loske (Image: David McHugh)

The duke also visited St George’s Church in New Church Road, Kemp Town, to mark the church’s 200th anniversary.

His Royal Highness toured the building, including the community centre in the crypt, and met many people associated with the daily running of the church, including the church wardens, Susan Clough and Geoff Todd-Ware and PCC member Hilda Ruth Beaumont.

The vicar, Andrew Manson Brailsford, spoke about the diversity of the area and the value of the church being inclusive and a welcoming place for the whole community.

The Diocese of Chichester said the duke was “keen to hear about the long history of the building and area and he said he really enjoyed meeting everyone”.