Prince’s Foundation on new King: ‘A warm, caring, enthusiastic man’

The chair of an educational charity pioneered by King Charles said he takes a deep personal interest in the people it supports.

Dame Sue Bruce, who heads up the Prince’s Foundation, which promotes sustainable practices through employability programmes, has also spoken of the warmth shown by the King to locals who use the grounds at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, the charity’s headquarters.

The 18th Century building and its 2,000acre estate near Cumnock were purchased by a consortium in 2007 and a cafe, restaurant, a walled garden, a farm and educational buildings have since been created.

The king often dons his wellies and gets involved in gardening on the estate, Dame Sue said, and can be seen taking long walks around the area.

“On any visit he’s made here at Dumfries House he will go on a walk every day,” said Dame Sue. “To have the level of energy he’s got, he’s obviously kept himself fit. He goes on long country walks. I can’t keep up with him. He will stop and chat to people he meets along the way. He remembers people he’s met before and asks them how they’re doing and if there’s any particular story he’s heard he will remember that, which I think is quite remarkable.

“He takes an interest in how things are and, of course, he’s a very talented gardener.

“He’s a very warm man, a caring man and enthusiastic. He shows a deep personal interest in young people who come to our programmes.”