First stop Exeter Cathedral for Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall

Exeter Cathedral welcomed their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall make Exeter Cathedral first stop on Royal Visit to Devon and Cornwall

This was the first stop of a Royal tour of Devon and Cornwall and the first official Royal visit in the country since the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The Prince and The Duchess were due to take a tour of Exeter Cathedral, escorted by The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, viewing a collection of the Cathedral’s historic treasures, including the Exeter Book – thought to be the world’s oldest surviving book of English literature and a key element of Exeter’s UNESCO City of Literature status.

The Prince and The Duchess will also meet with some of Exeter Cathedral’s clergy, staff, volunteers, donors and supporters, as well as representatives from the Met Office, University of Exeter, Devon Nursing Cadets, Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, and a group leading Devon’s contribution to The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

For The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, the Royal Visit has come at the perfect time for a much-needed boost:

“It is an honour to be able to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Exeter Cathedral.

“As a Cathedral, a city and a county, we have endured an incredibly challenging 16 months. So, to receive the first Royal visit since the easing of coronavirus restrictions is a wonderful way to lift the spirits of the whole community, and move forward in hope.”

Last year, the Prince of Wales agreed to become Patron of the Exeter Cathedral Development Appeal – set up to raise funds to conserve the building’s important architecture and improve the visitor experience for future generations. 

 Jill Taylor, Director of Development at Exeter Cathedral, said: 

 “Last year, we were thrilled that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales agreed to become patron of our Development Appeal. We know that he takes a keen interest in our architectural heritage.

 “It is fantastic that Their Royal Highnesses will now see for themselves some of the crucial conservation work that has taken place – and meet our wonderful volunteers, donors, supporters and conservation experts.” 

Photo credits: Russell Sach