A speech by Prince William at the opening of the Whitechapel Gallery, London

Published

It is nearly a quarter of a century since my great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, opened the last expansion of the Gallery in 1985.

Thank you very much, Iwona, for your kind words of introduction, and particularly for the tour this morning, which I very much enjoyed. I really must join everyone else in congratulating the Whitechapel Gallery for, once again, creating something quite exceptional.

I am particularly delighted to be here today to open the new Gallery, as it is nearly a quarter of a century since my great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, opened the last expansion of the Gallery in 1985. She was devoted to this place and this morning I have learned why.

I believe that one of the reasons that it meant so much to her is that almost more than any other artistic venue of comparable size it brings together everyone: people from far a field, members of the local community and, so critically, children of all ages, who are given a unique chance to experience the wonders of art at first hand.

Quite simply, this exciting Gallery further underscores London and Britain as an epicentre of the world art scene.

Related content

Feature

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visited the Foundling Museum

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Foundling Museum on Wednesday 19th January

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the opening of BAFTA Piccadilly

BAFTA is an excellent British institution, and a unique charity with a truly global reach.

16 September 2019

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Argylls and Sutherland Highlanders Museum

Thank you Bruce. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here today in Stirling Castle, the spiritual home of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the museum...

24 October 2016
Press release 06 March 2015

Gallipoli Centenary Commemorations

Read more

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the opening of the GREAT festival Shanghai

This GREAT Festival is a statement from the United Kingdom that we are excited about partnering with China in creativity and innovation.

02 March 2015

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Innovation is Great event, Tokyo, Japan

I can barely think of another country on earth which pays so much reverence to its ancient customs whilst also being so outwardly modern.

27 February 2015

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the St Andrews University 600th anniversary, New York

I hope you are all very proud of your support and of your links to St Andrews.

09 December 2014

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the World War One centenary commemorations, Belgium, 2014

Many nations here today, the United Kingdom among them, owe you a great debt of gratitude for your fortitude and resistance.

04 August 2014

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Imperial War Museum WW1 Galleries opening

This museum honours the sacrifice of all nations. And I am delighted to see so many of them represented here today.

17 July 2014

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Wigram Air Force Museum

The reason why the earthquakes did not defeat Christchurch is because of you, and what has united all of you.

14 April 2014
Press release 01 April 2014

WW1 Centenary Commemorations

Read more

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the BAFTA Awards 2014

The recipient of this year's Fellowship is an extremely talented British actress whom I should probably call granny.

16 February 2014

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at BAFTA Give Something Back campaign launch

I know that I, for one, as an enthusiastic but quite useless gamer, look forward to playing the weird and wonderful games which these young people dream up in the future!

08 November 2013

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the inauguration of the Warner Bros Studios, Leavesden

I haven’t told him yet that Harry Potter is fictional, so please keep the secret for a little longer.

26 April 2013

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Imperial War Museum London

It is here to caution us, against forgetting that true freedom is - and always will be - hard won.‬‪

26 April 2012

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the War Horse UK premiere

Hardly a family in the country went unscathed.

08 January 2012

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at The National Memorial Arboretum Appeal Dinner

Thank you for your support which, in its way, I see as your own very personal act of remembrance.

10 November 2011

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Belasco Theatre, BAFTA

And now, as they say: "Lights, Camera, Roll, Action" ...

10 July 2011
Press release 21 February 2010

Prince William to become President of BAFTA

Read more

A speech by Prince William of Wales at the Orange British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)

Thank you for all you do to support the genius of film.

21 February 2010

A speech by Prince William at the National Memorial Arboretum

It is, quite simply, unique – a worthy focus for our Nation’s pride in those who have given their lives in the service of others.

24 April 2009