Duke of Gloucester Prince Richard visits Braintree Museum

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was welcomed to Braintree for a special visit to the town museum.

The visit was to commemorate the 30th birthday of the museum in Manor Street, as well as the formal opening of the Warner and Sons Gallery.

WARM WELCOME: Prince Richard being introduced by museum staff (Image: Braintree Museum)

The Duke of Gloucester is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin and a full-time working member of the Royal Family.

SAYING HELLO: The Duke of Gloucester meeting museum shop volunteers (Image: Braintree Museum)

He attends national and international events in support of the King and his duties as head of state, as well as undertaking extensive public engagements every year, reflecting his own interests and charities including the British Association of Friends of Museums.

ALL SMILES: Prince Richard pictured with deputy museum manager Polly Redman (Image: Braintree Museum)

During his time at the museum, Prince Richard was also able to learn about the heritage of Braintree, including the Roman town, medieval wool industry and the Courtauld and Crittall Window industrial heritage.

BACK IN TIME: The Duke visiting the Victorian classroom (Image: Braintree Museum)

There was also a visit to the Braintree Build It! Brick by Brick exhibition, chats with the Victorian School Ma’am and Year 4 children from John Bunyan Primary School.

LOOKING ON: Prince Richard in the new Warner and Sons gallery (Image: Braintree Museum)

Archivist Sophie Gemma introduced the Duke to some of the highlights of the Warner Textile Archive Collection as well as showing him some textiles that had a personal connection to his family.

ROYAL CHAT: Prince Richard talking to museum educational freelancer Jenny Mead (Image: Braintree Museum)

At the end of the visit, he joined volunteers, staff and trustees in the Old School Hall for celebratory refreshments and signed the visitors’ book.

BIG DAY: A celebratory photo of the whole Braintree District Museum Trust team (Image: Braintree Museum)

Braintree Council chairman Diana Garrod said: “We were delighted to be part of the visit from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of Braintree Museum and to learn about the substantial contribution of local volunteers that underpins all the activities at the archive and museum, many of whom were able to meet HRH.”

Museum volunteer Martin Ryan said: “I was delighted to be with everyone gathered today to celebrate the 30th year of Braintree's gem of a museum in Manor Street.

“A great to spend time chatting with staff, trustees and fellow volunteers to round off a great day.”