Royal Visit by The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

First published: May 2024

Newcastle Cathedral was honoured to welcome Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, on Wednesday 22 May 2024. This visit was a part of their ongoing tour aimed at highlighting the significance of cathedrals as places of worship and encountering the good work they do.

Ms. Lucy Winskell, OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, introduced Their Royal Highnesses to The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle. The Dean warmly received the Royal guests and provided an overview of the Cathedral’s social outreach projects.

His Royal Highness then embarked on a heritage tour guided by Amy Outterside, the Cathedral’s Learning and Activities Officer, and Abby Hammond, a PhD student in History at Northumbria University who is currently working alongside Newcastle Cathedral.

Director of Music Ian Roberts introduced Her Royal Highness to a group comprising Laura Oldfield (Choral Development Officer), representatives from Wingrove Primary School (Teacher Sadaf Chaudry and Placement Student Katelyn Johnston), and members of the Cathedral Music Trust (Rosemary Downey and Victoria Eyre), where the Duchess serves as Royal Patron. They discussed the Cathedral’s rich musical offering and its involvement in the National Schools Singing Programme.

En route to Café 16, Their Royal Highnesses viewed the Story Chair and learned about its creation alongside Changing Lives and women who have experienced the criminal justice system. They also stopped at the Danish Memorial, which proved to be a poignant moment for Her Royal Highness, who was born and grew up in Denmark.

At Café 16, Their Royal Highnesses joined guests including the Bishop of Newcastle and listened to The Reverend Canon Peter Dobson discuss the Cathedral’s social outreach projects, including the following short film about the Lantern Initiative. They also learned about the Café’s founding charity, the Oswin Project, which helps people with criminal records to find employment, training and support.

The visit concluded with a superb performance by members of the Cathedral’s Choir. Their Royal Highnesses met and spoke with choristers, including some of the youngest members, and were presented with the Choir’s recently released CD, ‘A Year at Newcastle’, available from Regent Records.

Before departing, The Duke praised the Cathedral’s community work and mission:

“It is a delight to come and hear this wonderful choir, which is obviously unique in its own way, just as every cathedral has its own character.

“Long ago, I studied architecture, and clearly, cathedrals are all about design and so on. But, as you get older, you realise it’s not just about having a wonderful building.

“It’s about what it symbolises – it symbolises history; it symbolises community and the collective effort to create something special. It enables people to take pride in their locality, encouraging them to help their community as our Christian teachings suggest we should.

“I’m delighted to hear about all the things you are doing with the Cathedral, and I hope it inspires others to lead more fulfilling lives. I would like to congratulate you on what you have done, and I hope you will continue this excellent work in the years to come.“

To learn more about the Cathedral’s vibrant life and how you can support our work, please visit newcastlecathedral.org.uk/community.