On February 7, 2012, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended a ceremony at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens.  According to the British newspaper, Telegraph, the “…congregation at Westminster Abbey included the largest ever gathering of descendants of the Victorian novelist as well as representatives from the worlds of literature, film, theatre and the media.” 

During the ceremony the Prince of Wales laid a wreath at Dickens’ grave in Poets’ Corner, listened to a speech by the Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall, as well as listened to  British actor, Ralph Fiennes read “…an extract…” from the novel, Bleak House.

Prior to the ceremony, the royal couple visited the Charles Dickens Museum in London where they listened to the American actress, Gillian Anderson, read various works by the legendary author.

Click the links below to watch a video as well as to view photos:

• VIDEO
• Gallery One
• Gallery Two

Sources: Royal.gov.uk and Telegraph

The Earl of Wessex continued his tour of Lancashire on February 7, 2012 and this afternoon he was in the area known as Blackpool.

First, the youngest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Hornby St. Margaret’s Church of England Primary School.  From there the Earl toured the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team Training and Vehicle Base.

Afterward, the Earl of Wessex visited Nickelodeon Land in Blackpool, Lancashire.  Whilst there he posed for photos alongside Sponge Bob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer — don’t laugh — and then unveiled a plaque reminding everyone, who visits Nickelodeon Land, that he was actually there.

Finally, the day ended with a visit to the University Centre at Blackpool and the Fylde College to mingle with the students as well as staff.

To watch a video please click here.  

Source: Royal.gov.uk