The Duke of Edinburgh becomes Patron of the Southbank Centre

The Duke of Edinburgh has become Patron of the Southbank Centre, taking on the role previously held by his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre and was opened by King George VI in 1951, as part of the Festival of Britain. The centre exists to invest in the future of arts and culture, foster the next generation of creative talent and bring amazing cultural experiences to the widest audiences in London and across the UK, presenting more than 5,000 events a year, 40 percent of which are free.

The Southbank Centre, the UK’s 5th most visited attraction, brings millions of people together across its site by the River Thames. It offers a year-round programme of events, workshops and projects designed to engage and inspire children, families, young people and adults of all backgrounds, and build connections with, and through, the arts.

The Duke of Edinburgh takes a keen interest in the arts, and champions the opportunities the industry offers young people to develop their confidence and skills.

The Duke visited the Queen Elizabeth Hall, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in March 1967, where he met participants from The Technical Academy, a training programme for 18+ year olds offering hands-on behind the scenes training in live events - investing in the future of creative talent.

His Royal Highness also met the staff at the Hayward Gallery - the Southbank Centre’s contemporary arts space - to hear about the current exhibition Linder: Danger Came Smiling and Mickalene Thomas: All About Love. 

The Hayward Gallery welcomes many schoolchildren to the gallery every year and Hayward Gallery Touring - the Southbank Centre’s nationwide touring programme of contemporary art exhibitions, reaches almost half a million people annually in towns and cities across the UK.

The Duke’s tour concluded with a special performance from the Lambeth Schools Music Service by local children aged 7-11. on stage at the Royal Festival Hall.