PICTURES: Duchess of Edinburgh visits Salisbury

Sophie's been in the city to honour our inter-faith communities

The Duchess signing the visitor book at Salisbury Guildhall with the city's Mayor and Mayoress
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 14th Sep 2023
Last updated 14th Sep 2023

There's been a royal visitor in Salisbury this lunchtime (Thursday 14th September) - in a celebration of the city's multi faith communities.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has dedicated a tree in the Market Place, unveiling a plaque.

It's all part of Salisbury Mayor, Atiqul Hoque's campaign to bring people of different backgrounds together.

People turned out to see the Duchess in the Salisbury sunshine

He said it's been a great day:

"She was a very down to earth lady. When we sat down to lunch, she wanted to speak about Salisbury."

Her Royal Highness has come to Salisbury at the invitation of the city's Mayor

Around 100 people gathered around the Guildhall Square to watch the events.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury with the Duchess of Edinburgh in the Guildhall Square

Her Royal Highness also met with some Year 10 students from St Joseph's School in Laverstock.

They spoke about their favourite school subjects, with the pupils telling us they enjoyed meeting her and that 'she was really nice'.

Their teacher Samantha Barrett told us:

"It was just so nice that she was asking about what the students liked, she obviously had a good way of putting our students at ease and it was lovely that our students had that opportunity to speak to her."

The Duchess spoke to members of St Joseph's Pupil Parliament about diversity and inclusivity

The tree that's been dedicated will eventually be planted in Queen Elizabeth Gardens, along with the plaque.

The plaque on the tree which will be placed in Lizzie Gardens at a later date

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