PRINCE William and Kate Middleton visited Coventry to see what the future holds for the UK City of Culture 2021 – and to meet the people and places behind the bid.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge started the day (Tuesday 16) at Coventry Cathedral.
They conducted a meet and greet with the Duchess drawing gazes in vibrant pink.
They met clergy and were taken on the tour of the famous 1960s Sir Basil Spence cathedral, a symbol of peace and reconciliation across the world.
After stopping for a tea-break, the couple officially opened Coventry University’s Science and Health Building after following a patient’s entire journey through its innovative healthcare simulations.
They met staff and students as they toured the £59million facility, which the University says will transform training opportunities for nurses, paramedics, midwives and other health professionals.
John Latham, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “It was an honour for everyone involved in the day to show the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge how our new Science and Health Building immerses students in the realities of their profession.
“We were proud to demonstrate the innovative teaching and hands-on activities that are transforming the experiences of our nursing and healthcare students.
“Their Royal Highnesses opening the building marked a new phase in our commitment to offer some of the finest healthcare teaching in the UK.”
They proceeded to the Positive Youth Foundation, a charity which provides a support network for Coventry’s youth and uses dancing and the arts to encourage young people off the streets.
Coventry University and PYF were integral to the City of Culture bid and have been praised for their efforts to engage the younger generations.
At PYF, the Royals discussed mental health and the importance of the services that the organisation offers to young people.
They also saw performances from the youth group’s members.
The Foundation has supported thousands of young people in the city – including newly arrived asylum seekers and refugees – and has helped Coventry to become a multicultural role model for other cities.
Prince William and Kate Middleton last visited the West Midlands in November when they visited the Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull manufacturing plant.
And with the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham in 2022 the area is set to become a flag-bearer for English cultural, scientific and sporting achievement.
Coventry was announced as UK City of Culture on December 7 and the city has been in celebration ever since.
Coventry beat rival cities Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea to the title, which is expected to bring in investment and new jobs.
