On February 8, 2012, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales participated in a meeting with professors from the Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI) at Madingley Hall.  Upon his arrival the heir to the British throne was met Education Secretary, Michael Gove.  According to Cambridge News, the PTI, “…aims to inspire teachers in their subject expertise and give them confidence to introduce more challenging work to their pupils.”  The Prince of Wales is president of this organization.

Source: Cambridge News

Photo courtesy of Cambridge First

The Duchess of Cornwall was in Cambridge this afternoon where she visited the Cambridge Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.  Upon her arrival the Duchess was greeted by the hospital staff as well as representatives from the JDRF Diabetes Charity.  Once inside the hospital the Duchess met with various youths living with Type 1 diabetes. “You’re extremely brave” said the Duchess to one youth participating in a Type 1 Diabetes clinical trial. “I’ve been reading about it and I had no idea how it can affect people’s lives.”

The Duchess of Cornwall also met with “… researchers from the University of Cambridge who are working on developing an Artificial Pancreas, preventing Type 1 diabetes and its complications.”

Afterward, the Duchess of Cornwall, as patron of the Emmaus UK Homeless Charity, visited the Emmaus Cambridge community where she met with former homeless people living in the area.

Click here to view photos. 

Sources: Royal.Gov and Cambridge News

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