The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visit Brixton

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today visited Brixton, south London. 

Their Royal Highnesses began the day together touring the Black Cultural Archives, the first national Black heritage centre in the UK.

The centre opened in 2014, with its collection dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of Black people in Britain. 

Tens of thousands of African and Caribbean soldiers, sailors and airmen fought on behalf of Britain during the First and Second World Wars. Their contribution is still being recognised as the Black Cultural Archives is actively seeking documents, testimonies and other archive material from the families of those who fought, to build up a true picture of their efforts.

During the visit The Prince and The Duchess met a group of veterans including Jamaican-born Allan Wilmot, who had a two-year stint in the Royal Navy during the Second World War before joining the RAF's air sea rescue unit.

As the Royal couple toured the archive centre they were shown letters, newspaper cuttings, photographs that illustrated the contribution of Black and African people to British life.

The Prince of Wales said during the visit: "It's so encouraging that now, at last, you have a centre such as this which allows you to develop so many opportunities, but also to bring the message to so many people in this country and elsewhere about the remarkable contribution made over so long by people from African and Caribbean descent, who have contributed so much to this country.

"And we're very lucky that you have made that contribution, and particularly so, if I may say so, during the First World War and Second World War."

Before departing the Black Cultural Archives, Their Royal Highnesses met well-wishers who had gathered outside to see them.

The Duchess of Cornwall then helped mark the 21st anniversary of Ebony Horse Club, a charity that was founded in 1996 to raise the aspirations, life skills, education and well-being of local young people through riding.

Her Royal Highness is President of the club in Brixton, and today met young riders and volunteers, and watched displays of horsemanship before presenting rosettes and cutting a birthday cake to mark the centre's 21st anniversary.

Natasha Williams, who hosted The Duchess's visit and is studying for a degree in equine performance and business management, highlighted the effect the club has on its members.

Natasha said: "I've seen children who have been distraught by home issues or school life or bullying or things like that, but one thing you notice very quickly, even if they don't seem OK at the time: by the time they leave here, they feel better able to deal with their struggles."