The Duke of Gloucester visits Sussex

On Thursday 27th March, The Duke of Gloucester spent the day in Sussex.

As Patron of Brighton & Hove Museums, His Royal Highness visited the Royal Pavilion & Garden to learn about the ongoing renovation work and engage with key figures from the organisation. 

This marked The Duke's first visit to the site since becoming Patron, a role he has taken on from His Majesty The King.

His Royal Highness toured the Royal Pavilion Garden and heard about the National Heritage Lottery funded project to restore the Garden, before meeting the Head Gardener, garden volunteers, and representatives from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

The Duke also toured the Pavilion’s interior, meeting key staff members, including some of the longest-serving employees.

Later, The Duke of Gloucester visited Newhaven Fort to unveil a commemorative plaque celebrating the completion of its £7.5 million restoration.

During the visit, His Royal Highness embarked on a guided tour highlighting key restoration efforts, including the fort's brand-new adventure playground, restored casemates and enhanced exhibitions.

The Duke, who is a keen architect and Patron of the Fortress Study Group, also visited the newly-restored gun emplacements, which offer panoramic views across the Sussex coastline.

The 19th-century fort, the largest defensive structure ever built in Sussex, reopened in February following a year-long restoration. The project introduced several exciting new features, including a 1970s-themed escape room, which is set to open in April 2025. Previously inaccessible areas, such as the Battery Observation Post, have been opened to the public for the first time, while the Romney Hut in the parade square has been re-clad and refurbished to serve as a versatile event space for hire.