HRH Prince Charles visited the Royal Albert Dock today to celebrate its new status ahead of its 175th anniversary in 2021, forming part of a trip to Liverpool with the Duchess of Cornwall.
The Prince of Wales, alongside wife Camilla, began his tour by attending a reception at the University of Liverpool with Irish President Michael Higgins to celebrate their joint patronage of the Liverpool Institute of Irish Studies.
He also visited St George’s Hall to view renovations and to meet Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Dr Makaziwe Mandela, who has donated her father’s paintings to the hall.
From there it was down to the waterfront for an inspection of the Royal Albert Dock, more than 30 years since the Prince himself opened the regenerated site back in May 1988. In the 1970s and early 80s, the area was abandoned and derelict until work began in 1982 to refurbish it.
In April 2018, the docks received ‘royal’ status from The Queen after being recognised for its historical and architectural significance to the city.
Twitter: Megan Tattersley
The future King of England spoke to The Beatles Story staff as he made his way through the crowds. #royalvisit #Liverpool #princeofwales @JMUJournalism pic.twitter.com/BreYwecNJp
— Megan ? (@megantattersley) February 12, 2019
The future King walked through the crowds at The Beatles Story entrance, greeting staff and spectators as he passed. He was met by chairman of the board of directors, Dave Roscoe, and the chief executive of Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Sue Grindrod, who showed him around the Grade I site.
Mary Chadwick, general manager commercial at The Beatles Story, told JMU Journalism: “I think it is really good that the Albert Dock has royal status.
“We have been here since 1990 so for us it is a really good thing and a lot of overseas visitors will recognise that.”
The Prince of Wales took in a range of businesses as he strolled along the waterfront, including Leather Satchel Co, the Nest and Lunyalita.
He also spoke to representatives of the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool Charity Foundation, who use the valuable qualities of the area to benefit locals.
Terry and Lorraine Clark were at the docks during the Prince of Wales’ trip, but were unaware about his arrival. The couple, who have been visiting Liverpool for the past couple of days, both thought that the docks deserved its royal recognition.
They were officially opened by Prince Albert on July 30th 1846, and Mrs Clark said: “Remembering the history of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria is very important.”
To end his visit, Charles was taken past Tate Liverpool and was shown the giant sculpture outside before heading to a special tour of the International Slavery Museum.
On his exit from the historical building, large crowds gathered to cheer him on and wish him well as he made his departure.
Twitter: Megan Tattersley
The Prince of Wales was shown the giant sculpture outside the @tateliverpool before his visit to the International Slavery Museum. #royalvisit #Liverpool #art #PrinceofWales pic.twitter.com/cBAzXUQVuh
— Megan ? (@megantattersley) February 12, 2019
I spoke to Irene and Kevin on their experience of the HRH visit to the Royal Albert Dock. #royalvisitliverpool #PrinceofWales pic.twitter.com/0WlFpY1RaT
— Megan ? (@megantattersley) February 12, 2019
HRH is now leaving the Royal Albert Dock as the crowds in Liverpool cheer him on his way. #royalvisit #PrinceofWales #Liverpool @JMUJournalism pic.twitter.com/LsnDJKxPJN
— Megan ? (@megantattersley) February 12, 2019