The Duke of Gloucester visits Rutland

The Duke of Gloucester visited Rutland this week for a day of engagements around the county.

At Rutland County Showground, The Duke met pupils from local schools to learn how the Rutland Agricultural Society provides support to young children to help them get involved with farming activities, and to learn more about the natural landscape.  

While at the Showground, His Royal Highness also met representatives from Oakham Rugby Club, as well as speaking to volunteers from Rutland’s First Responders - a group trained in the use of defibrillators and other potentially life-saving medical treatments. At the Rugby Club, The Duke watched as Rutland Primary Schools took part in an exhibition tag rugby match. The team includes children from seven local schools and recently won the 10th International Tag Rugby Tournament hosted at Twickenham.

The Duke also met with innovative local businesses based at The King Centre in Barleythorpe, before going on to see the extensive restoration work recently undertaken at Oakham Castle. The Duke was also shown the ceremonial horse shoe at the Castle that was hung to commemorate his first Royal visit to Rutland in 1977 – a tradition observed since the 15th century.

Finally, His Royal Highness helped to mark the 50th anniversary of Rutland County Museum, attending the unveiling of a rare Anglo-Saxon gold buckle – a new addition to the museum. The buckle is only the fourth such item to have been discovered in England and dates back to the late-6th to early-7th century AD.