The Queen is greeted by the Duchy's Secretary and Keeper of the Records, Alastair Martin
Her Majesty The Queen officially opened Queen Mother Square in Poundbury during a special Royal visit with The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall on Thursday 27 October 2016.
Thousands of people lined the streets to welcome the Royal Party who were greeted by representatives of The Duchy of Cornwall, before enjoying a tour of the square, with stops at the local Waitrose, Jubilee Hall, Royal Pavilion and Duchess of Cornwall Inn.
The visit culminated with The Queen unveiling a statue of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, created by sculptor Philip Jackson on a Portland stone plinth designed by Poundbury Masterplanner, Leon Krier. The Prince of Wales said: "It is with immense pride and in loving memory of my darling Grandmother that I invite Your Majesty to unveil the statue of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and thus to declare open her square."
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury
The Prince also paid tribute to the efforts and loyalty of the architects, planners, construction workers, craftsmen and Duchy staff who supported his revolutionary dream to create an urban extension to Dorchester more than 25 years ago. His Royal Highness said:
Work began on Poundbury in 1993 with the idea to give priority to people, rather than cars, and where commercial buildings are mixed with residential areas, shops and leisure facilities to create a walkable community. Today, Poundbury is home to 3,000 people in a mix of private and affordable housing. The community also provides employment to 2,100 people and is home to 185 businesses.
At the heart of the development is Queen Mother Square, the newly completed central hub of classically-designed, commercial and residential buildings which are predominantly named after the favourite racehorses of The Queen Mother.
The Prince of Wales has sent his best wishes to the ‘Duchy of Cornwall family’.
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