Queen Camilla visiting Salisbury Cathedral for special charity concert
It's her first appearance since the King's cancer diagnosis
Last updated 8th Feb 2024
Queen Camilla is expected to make her first public appearance following King Charles' cancer diagnosis in Salisbury this evening (Thursday 8th February).
She's set to be in attendance for a unique concert at Salisbury Cathedral, which will be raising crucial funding for a trio of Wiltshire charities.
The Concert for Wiltshire will see award-winning concert pianist Rupert Egerton-Smith in performance with The Band of The Grenadier Guards and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles.
The three have never played together before.
All profits from the concert will be going towards support the work of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA), Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Youth Action Wiltshire.
Queen Camilla is patron of each of the three Wiltshire charities, which is why she's been invited along to the event as their VIP.
Excitement building all week ahead of royal appearance
We spoke to WAA's Deputy Director of Communications and Supporter Engagement, Adam Baker, who told us it's been a long time in the making:
"It's been, 6,7,8 months in the planning, so to finally get to the week of the concert is it is extremely exciting for all three charities involved."
Adam told us they were 'delighted' when they found out she had accepted their invitation, saying its the 'royal seal of approval'.
He also told us the funds raised through the concert will help the Air Ambulance save lives on a daily basis across Wiltshire and Bath.
He said: "We go to on average 3 missions a day.
"We're flying up to 19 hours a day, 365 or 366 this year, and days of the year, so it makes a real difference across the local community.
"You never know when you might need the Wiltshire ambulance to come to your rescue and and we want to be there for the people of Wiltshire and Bath."
Her Majesty has been involved in events with the Air Ambulance before, having been their patron since 2009.
"We're very privileged to have her as our patron, she came to the air base in 2018 to open it, and we're all looking forward to seeing her again."
Jennie Shaw, director of The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, said:
“I am so proud of the difference these three charities make to the wellbeing of our county. I am confident the music we will hear will make for a truly memorable evening in the historic Salisbury Cathedral. Your support will enable us to continue this important work and for that we are all extremely grateful.”
Youth Action Wiltshire Community First chief executive Lynn Gibson said:
“Community First is delighted to be represented as a charity partner alongside The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Through our youth work arm, Youth Action Wiltshire, we are committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in the county at a time of increased demand for complex support, including mental health and financial challenges for the young people and families we work with. We hope that you will join us at this very special event and your support is much appreciated.”
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said:
“We are delighted to be the venue for what promises to be a marvellous evening of music, in support of three remarkable local charities that contribute so much to Wiltshire and its communities, in particularly young people.”
Her Majesty's visit comes after Prince William spoke publicly for the first time since his father's diagnosis was announced at a charity event in London last night (Wednesday 7th February).
Earlier this week, Princess Anne also visited Wiltshire to open a new response unit at the St John Ambulance HQ in Devizes.