PRINCE William and Kate Middleton visited Coventry to see what the future holds for the UK City of Culture 2021 – and to meet the people and places behind the bid.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge started the day (Tuesday 16) at Coventry Cathedral.
They conducted a meet and greet with the Duchess drawing gazes in vibrant pink.
They met clergy and were taken on the tour of the famous 1960s Sir Basil Spence cathedral, a symbol of peace and reconciliation across the world.
After stopping for a tea-break, the couple officially opened Coventry University’s Science and Health Building after following a patient’s entire journey through its innovative healthcare simulations.
They met staff and students as they toured the £59million facility, which the University says will transform training opportunities for nurses, paramedics, midwives and other health professionals.
John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “It was an honour for everyone involved in the day to show the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge how our new Science and Health Building immerses students in the realities of their profession.
“We were proud to demonstrate the innovative teaching and hands-on activities that are transforming the experiences of our nursing and healthcare students.
“Their Royal Highnesses opening the building marked a new phase in our commitment to offer some of the finest healthcare teaching in the UK.”
They proceeded to the Positive Youth Foundation, a charity which provides a support network for Coventry’s youth and uses dancing and the arts to encourage young people off the streets.
Coventry University and PYF were integral to the City of Culture bid and have been praised for their efforts to engage the younger generations.
At PYF, the Royals discussed mental health and the importance of the services that the organisation offers to young people.
They also saw performances from the youth group’s members.
Rashid Bhayat, the chief executive of the foundation, said it was a great opportunity to showcase the crucial work being undertaken by the organisation and the wider youth work sector.
He said: “It was a fantastic half-an-hour or so and the Royal couple were so engaged with what our young people had to say and they really seemed to enjoy finding out about everything that we do.
“The young people deserved this opportunity to tell their stories and to meet the Duke and Duchess and there was a great vibe and energy in the room.
“We do have to pinch ourselves now and again to think how far PYF has come – we know the type of work we do makes a real impact on young people.
“These types of events are there to be enjoyed and are a great experience but we never lose sight of the fact that our work is for the young people of Coventry – to give them opportunities and safe places to express themselves.
“This is something we will all remember for the rest of our lives and from conversations I had with the Duke, there could be further exciting opportunities ahead.”
The Foundation has supported thousands of young people in the city – including newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees – and has helped Coventry to become a multicultural role model for other cities.
Prince William and Kate Middleton last visited the West Midlands in November when they visited the Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull manufacturing plant.
And with the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham in 2022 the area is set to become a flag-bearer for English cultural, scientific and sporting achievement.
Coventry was announced as UK City of Culture on December 7 and the city has been in celebration ever since.
Coventry beat rival cities Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea to the title, which is expected to bring in investment and new jobs.
