Today, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall toured Cornwall for the first time in their official capacities. Prince William had previously visited in November.
They are also known as the Prince and Princess of Wales and retain their earlier titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, bestowed during their wedding in 2011 by Queen Elizabeth. Additionally, they hold titles in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
During their visit, they stopped at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The museum is renowned for its extensive galleries, a boat-building workshop, and interactive exhibits, attracting numerous visitors.
They also engaged with locals refurbishing the Kiwi, a sailing dinghy originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh by the Royal New Zealand Navy. The museum highlighted that the dinghy had been actively used by various sailing groups since the 1950s.
The visit included a humorous moment where Prince William, foregoing safety gear, assisted by Kate, hammered a rivet into the dinghy. They joked about not wanting to be responsible for any potential damage.
The couple also participated in model boat racing, demonstrating a competitive spirit, particularly noted by the children who assisted them, who remarked on Kate’s superior racing skills.
Following the museum, they visited the Dracaena Centre, a community hub in Falmouth that offers a range of services including family support, legal advice, and sports facilities, serving approximately 10,000 people annually.
They met with representatives from St. Petrocs, a charity aiding those at risk of homelessness, discussing the challenges unique to Cornwall, such as the impact of second homes on local housing markets.
The visit was well-received, with many community members expressing their appreciation for the royal couple’s genuine interest and engagement.
