His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester was welcomed by the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, during a visit to the town earlier today (9 September).
The Duke was in Colchester at the invitation of the Magdalen St. Alms Houses charity before joining the Mayor and Mayoress in Castle Park, where a tree dedicated to the memory of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was planted.
The tree, a cork oak, was planted close to the Diamond Jubilee Oak, in Upper Castle Park, alongside a commemorative plaque which reads:
In memory of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, 1921-2021
With grateful thanks for his long, dedicated service
Planted on the 9 September 2021
By HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
With grateful thanks for his long, dedicated service
Planted on the 9 September 2021
By HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
Following the ceremony, HRH attended lunch at Colchester Town Hall hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress. Other guests included: the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst; the High Sheriff of Essex, Mr Simon Brice; the Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Dundas; High Steward, Sir Bob Russell; the Bishop of Colchester, Rt Rev Roger Morris; Colchester Borough Council’s Executive Director, Pamela Donnelly; and Cllr Eddie Johnson, Chairman of Essex County Council.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, said: “It was a great honour for the Mayoress and I to meet His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester and to accompany him while he planted a tree in our beautiful Castle Park to commemorate the life and long service of the Duke of Edinburgh.
“We were especially delighted to welcome the Duke and our other esteemed guests for a buffet lunch in the Civic Suite.
“It was a special day that we will all remember for a long time to come.”
Whilst in the Civic Suite, The Duke of Gloucester was also invited to sign the visitors’ book before departing for further engagements in Colchester.
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Featured image: HRH plants the cork oak tree held straight by the Mayor of Colchester
Page last reviewed: 9 September 2021