Prince Edward carried out his royal engagements gracefully today as news broke out that Princess Kate was admitted to hospital for planned abdominal surgery and King Charles is due for a prostate operation next week.
The Duke of Edinburgh was all smiles as he visited the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) at Birmingham City University (BCU) in a bid to highlight the importance of making music more inclusive.
The King’s brother was greeted by BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, RBC Principal Stephen Maddock OBE, High Sheriff of West Midlands Wade Lyn CBE, and Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Chaman Lal.
Later, he met with representatives from leading institutions across the country, while he also sat at the RBC’s Jazz Club, which included a performance from student and talented pianist Ben Shankland, recently crowned BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Jazz Musician of the Year. Ben said: “I am really passionate about jazz, and it was great to be able to share that with The Duke.
“It’s not every day that you expect to meet a member of The Royal Family in the Eastside Jazz Club.”
Edward, who was formally named as the Birmingham Conservatoire’s first Royal Patron in 2016, met with students and staff as he discussed the future of music provision.
The discussion included representatives from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Music Theatre, Chetham’s School of Music, London Mozart Players, Northern Ballet, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland and Shireland School.
Professor Mba said: “The visit by His Royal Highness brought to light the significant work RBC undertakes to promote the study of music to people from all walks of life.
“Our University firmly believes in the value of arts for all, whether it’s in its transformative effect on individuals and society, or through its contribution to the economy.”
The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire was granted its Royal title by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2017.
It comes as royal watchers were stunned earlier after Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace announced health updates for Princess Kate and King Charles.
The monarch is set to have surgery for an enlarged prostate next week whereas the Princess of Wales has been admitted to hospital where she underwent abdominal surgery and is expected to stay there for up to 14 days.
