The King and Queen visit Poundbury

His Majesty has a special association with Poundbury: built on Duchy of Cornwall land just outside Dorchester with The King’s involvement, it was designed according  to the principles of architecture and urban planning laid out in his book ‘A Vision of Britain’. Poundbury is currently home to 4,600 people with a mix of private and affordable housing. It also provides employment for more than 2,500 people working in more than 250 shops, cafés, offices and factories.

The Former Duke and Duchess of Cornwall viewed a new bronze relief of Their Majesties, to mark the completion of Queen Mother Square, the centre of Poundbury. The reliefs by artist Ian Rank-Broadley, sit above a Portland stone plaque that records the architects and businesses that worked with the Duchy of Cornwall to establish Queen Mother Square.

Their Majesties opened The Duke of Edinburgh Garden which forms part of Pavilion Green, before viewing a bust of The late Duke of Edinburgh which is situated within the garden.

A local brass band played as Their Majesties arrived at The Royal Pavilion to meet those involved in the Royal Pavilion development, before being shown the new bronze reliefs.

The King and Queen officially opened The Duke of Edinburgh Garden, the garden where they watched children from the local Damers First School perform their Coronation song “Sing for The King.” The new garden is an addition to the many squares and open areas in Poundbury. This smaller and more enclosed garden contains benches offering a place to rest and contemplate for residents and visitors.