On Tuesday 16th May 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh visited the African Caribbean Centre, Highfields, Leicester.
It was a Royal affair coordinated by Marcia Brown which saw community groups, leaders and members share space with the newly appointed Duke of Edinburgh. In true African Caribbean style His Royal Highness was welcomed to the sound of steel pan beating away. Members of Contrast Steel Pan gave a warm welcome as His Royal Highness made his way through the cafe and reception area. HRH Prince Edward took timeout to visit the crafts workshop taking place on the ground floor before being welcomed into the main hall up stairs.
Poet, The Orator and Singer, Morgan Munroe performed a collaboration on an original poem entitled History. Youth Music programme, Remit was in attendance to show HRH Prince Edward how to DJ their favourite songs with the Prince taking real interest!
Marcia and Alvin from the African Caribbean Centre guided HRH Prince Edward around the hall, introducing him to various groups and projects affiliated with the centre. Two university students responsible for assisting the delivery of the Windrush Compensation Scheme in the local area spoke to HRH Prince Edward about the scheme, and how we had come to be in such mess. It was refreshing to see a positive response to what can sometimes be a difficult conversation. HRH Prince Edward commented ‘why is it that politicians don’t seem to read history books?’ something that received a collective ‘uhmm’ and nodding of heads.
Morgan Munroe and Boston ‘The Orator’ Williams were introduced by Marcia as Opal22. The Orator gave an overview of the organisation and its aims. The conversation that followed covered subjects from the origins of the Met police to HRH Prince Edward’s most recent trips to the Caribbean. Shortly after speaking with Opal22 HRH Prince Edward concluded his trip to Leicester. Roads were once again blocked, people lined the streets to get a view and HRH Prince Edward (and the secret service of course) headed back towards the capital.
We hope he was sent on his way with the finest rum punch and a belly full of good caribbean food!
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