HRH Duke of Gloucester becomes President

HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester is to become President of the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College.

The Duke of Gloucester’s Presidency demonstrates a commitment to support the unique history and architecture of the Sir Christopher Wren’s riverside masterpiece.

The Duke of Gloucester said: “I am delighted to lend my support to the valuable work done at the Old Royal Naval College, in conserving these internationally-renowned buildings and bringing the public here in ever-increasing numbers. It is also personally gratifying to re-establish the historic link between the Dukes of Gloucester and Greenwich, as part of the rich story of the place”.

The Duke of Gloucester’s ancestral links to Greenwich go back to 1426 when Henry V’s brother Humphrey, the 1st Duke of Gloucester, obtained the freehold to the Manor of Greenwich. The first royal owner of the Manor, Duke Humphrey, enclosed 200 acres, forming the Royal Park, and built a tower on top of the hill where the Royal Observatory stands today. Humphrey built a palace on the site of a monastic estate by the river in Greenwich, which he named Bella Court.

Duncan Wilson OBE, Chief Executive said “We are honoured that the Duke of Gloucester has agreed to become our President, and we very much look forward to working with him to continue our work of conserving the buildings for future generations to appreciate, and bringing them to life for today’s public”.