As part of the ‘Year of Cathedrals’ initiative in 2020, The Duke of Gloucester, was set to visit 12 cathedrals across the country to help raise the profile of cathedrals and showcase them as important places of worship, centres of excellence, and great visitor attractions.
Due to Covid-19 the visits were unable to take place, however His Royal Highness was keen to revive the idea with a visit to Durham Cathedral with The Duchess of Gloucester.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were welcomed to the cathedral with a visit to the works yard, and the Durham Cathedral Museum. They were taken on a tour of the cathedral, including stops at the Durham Foodbank collection point, Bede’s Tomb and the Shrine of St Cuthbert.
Reverend Canon Michael Hampel, Acting Dean of Durham said:
‘The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are keen and experienced Patrons of architecture and music – at which Durham Cathedral provides fine examples of both in terms of its magnificent buildings and a world-class choir. We are delighted that Their Royal Highnesses came to see at first hand our treasures – both human and fabric. We have been looking forward to their visit very much and welcomed them warmly.’
