Charlie’s our darling
PRINCE Charles joined a minute’s silence at Durham Cathedral in memory of tragic student Olivia Burt.
The 69-year-old Royal joined around 300 people who paid tribute to the Durham University student, who died outside a nightclub last week.
The flag of University College, where the 20-year-old was a member, was flown at half mast.
Stuart Corbridge, vicechancellor and Warden of Durham University, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Olivia’s parents, Paula and Nigel, and everyone who knew and loved Olivia as so many did and do.”
During his visit to the Cathedral, Prince Charles was full of praise for the £10 million Open Treasure exhibition where the priceless St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross is on view.
He walked through the 14th Century Monks’ Dormitory, beamed with 21 oaks, and which would once have accommodated 40 monks.
And, he also praised the Cathedral authorities, sponsors and fundraisers for their efforts in preserving their “great treasures”.
Speaking of their hard work, he said: “Maintaining a cathedral and stopping bits falling off it, which, as I reach an increasing age...”
He was given a card by pupils from The Chorister School for his son Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are to wed later this year, which featured a flower made from the children’s thumb-
ROYAL VISITOR PAYS HIS RESPECTS TO STUDENT AT CATHEDRAL CONCERT
prints. Prince Charles watched a concert which featured the works of Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, thought to be one of his favourite composers.
Prof Corbridge added: “We were honoured to welcome Prince Charles to Durham University and delighted he was able to meet a number of our staff and students.
“We are very proud of our students who performed in the Cathedral as part of the concert marking the centenary of the death of Sir Hubert Parry and the rousing rendition of Jerusalem is a memory that will remain with all of us for a long time.”
Hayley Lam, a music student at Hatfield College, led the Durham University Symphony Orchestra in the concert and was also introduced to the Prince afterwards.
She said: “It was great. To play some of the most rousing and patriotic music there is to The Prince – it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. It was very exciting.”
Outside, hundreds of people gathered on the Palace Green to catch a glimpse of His Royal Highness.
Walking towards the Palace Green Library, he chatted to the crowd and was entertained with music from the County Durham Cadet Band and Bugles.
Helen Bell, from Bishop Auckland, gave him a hug after waiting in the large crowd.
She said: “I have always watched him on the telly and just felt overwhelmed.”
He visited the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection Gallery at Durham University’s Palace Green Library.
Inside, he was given a tour of the Courage, Comrades and Community exhibition and signed the visitors’ book.
Arriving yesterday morning, he was created by flagwaving locals who had lined the street outside the Church of St Mary the Less, St John’s Chapel.
He met with a number of dignitaries from the church before being taken into the chapel to view the Bowes memorial stone.
His Royal Highness was presented with a gift of a silver spoon from the Bowes family silver.
After leaving the chapel, the Prince spent more time with onlookers who had waited in the freezing cold.
Student Antonia Barber, 19, said: “Prince Charles was talking to us about what subjects we do here, what we love about Durham.
“He was ever so friendly and lovely. I love the Royal family.”
Later in the day, he met with members of police, fire, ambulance and Mountain Rescue Services a the new Emergency Service Centre at Barnard Castle, and The Bowes Museum.