On September 13th the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited Durham Cathedral. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester is a Patron of Cathedral Music Trust and as the Trust's Local Contact, Sheila and I were invited to the occasion. We first heard about this visit in August with an invite from Canon Michael Hampel, Vice Dean and Precentor, and happily said yes to this honour.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester is Patron of “Cathedrals in Pilgrimage” and he has been visiting a number of Cathedrals around the country in 2023. His idea is to see the good work that Cathedrals do and the key part they play in their communities. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, as Patron of the Cathedral Music Trust, has a very keen interest in the lives of cathedrals and specifically their choirs, and has accompanied His Royal Highness on a number of these visits. The Trust has been involved with these visits from the beginning, given HRH’s role as our Royal Patron.
From rain and wind the day before, the day of the visit was perfect weather: mild, some sun and calm. Their Royal Highnesses arrived and after the Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowden, introduced various dignitaries, The Duke was escorted by Canon Simon Oliver through the stonemason’s yard and joinery shop, where he discussed the work in progress. The Duchess was escorted by Canon Michael Hampel and the Lord Lieutenant up to the Monks Dormitory, which houses a museum, library and the Barker Reading Room – featuring a music archive of William Byrd and Adrian Batten. Coming out of the Reading Room, HRH is introduced to Daniel Cook, Master of Choristers and Organist and Joseph Beach, Sub-Organist.
Next to be introduced were the Trust's team, Natasha Morris (Development Director), Graham Thorpe and Imogen Morgan (Future Leaders) plus myself and Sheila. Her Royal Highness was wonderful, taking the time with everyone, to engage in a short conversation. Certainly a moment to remember for all of us. The Duke then arrived and Their Royal Highnesses listened to a short recital of two tunes of Byrd and Batten, from four girl choristers, an alto, tenor and bass. They finished this part of the tour in the Monks Dormitory by being presented with a piece of carved stone, crafted by the Durham Cathedral stonemasons.
The Duke and Duchess were then escorted through the Cathedral, starting in the Galilee Chapel, site of Bede’s tomb, then meeting with the staff of the Cathedral’s Food Bank, and ending up at the Shrine of St Cuthbert. At the end of the tour, Their Royal Highnesses were escorted back to their cars, along a pathway lined by staff and volunteers, where they took this opportunity to meet others not on the tour. The response from everyone was unanimous in how great the occasion was, and how delightful they felt talking with the Duke and Duchess.
Natasha Morris writes “Another superb visit with our Royal Patron – The Duchess is so good with the choristers and has a huge personal passion supporting their music-making. We love having her as our Patron – as she plays such an active role championing cathedral music across the UK and especially the education of young choristers.” Canon Michael Hampel is quoted in the Cathedral’s press release “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.” And finally, in a letter to Canon Michael Hampel from the Duke and Duchess’ Private Secretary, Alastair Todd LVO, he writes: ”TRH were very pleased to meet your colleagues and the volunteers who do so much to keep the cathedral working. The carved stone gift with which they were presented was unique and was much appreciated. The Duke and Duchess would wish to pass on their thanks and appreciation to all those involved for such a memorable visit.”
It was a great honour for Sheila and I, to meet our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Gloucester.