Visit of Duke of Gloucester to Watford
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire-Robert Voss was delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester the first Royal visitor to Hertfordshire since lockdown on an extended visit to Watford on 23rd June.
Starting at One Vision at Stanborough Church-after meeting various dignitaries including Cllr Annie Brewster, Deputy Chair of HCC and Watford MP Dean Russell-The Duke met a large number of representatives of local voluntary organisations thanking them for their support of the community during the pandemic. He was entertained by Electric Umbrella and even joined in the music-making in the sunshine.
After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the visit together with the Lord-Lieutenant, The Duke moved on to the Watford Social Centre for the Blind to help celebrate their 70th anniversary-some 20 years after he visited them on their 50th. He enjoyed a game of darts and scrabble and chatting to the members and volunteers before moving on to officially open the new Acute Admissions Unit at Watford General Hospital. Being an architect, The Duke was very interested in the plans for the potential new development at the hospital and after the third plaque unveiling, he walked through the hospital grounds to Watford Football Club to meet more voluntary organisations including the Watford FC Trust, and representatives of the Watford Chambre of Commerce. He was also introduced to the widow and daughters of the late Graham Taylor-still revered at Watford.
The Lord-Lieutenant said” This has been a busy yet most memorable day during g which The Duke met and spoke to about 200 people thanking them for their contribution over the last year or more. He certainly enjoyed his visit and showed the support of The Royal Family in thanking so many people. I personally thank him for taking his time to spend a day in Watford and his interest in the town and the county.”