Duchess of Cambridge set to visit Portsmouth

POPULAR royal the Duchess of Cambridge is to make her third visit to Portsmouth in just over a year.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Land Rover BAR headquarters on The Camber at Old Portsmouth in July 2015  Picture: Malcolm WellsThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Land Rover BAR headquarters on The Camber at Old Portsmouth in July 2015  Picture: Malcolm Wells
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Land Rover BAR headquarters on The Camber at Old Portsmouth in July 2015 Picture: Malcolm Wells

Kate, patron of the 1851 Trust, will launch its flagship sailing projects in the city when she visits on May 20.

Excitement is already growing as it will be the third occasion in just more than a year that she has been in the city.

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She visited twice last year, once to Sir Ben Ainslie’s race base at Old Portsmouth in February and then returned to watch the America’s Cup World Series in July.

Her latest visit will see her open the new Tech Deck Education Centre, which will allow people to see the BAR team’s construction work.

Councillor Donna Jones, leader of Portsmouth City Council, welcomed the visit.

She said: ‘Having the Duchess of Cambridge as patron of the 1851 Trust, as part of the British America’s Cup team, gives a huge boost to the city of Portsmouth.

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‘It draws attention both across the UK and wider world to the significance of the British team being based in the UK’s only island city.

The Duchess of Cambridges peaking with Donna Jones in July 2015. 

Picture: Sarah StandingThe Duchess of Cambridges peaking with Donna Jones in July 2015. 

Picture: Sarah Standing
The Duchess of Cambridges peaking with Donna Jones in July 2015. Picture: Sarah Standing

‘Being surrounded by water we have to maximise all opportunities that we can and having royal patronage to a charity based here helps.’

She added: ‘I met her at the Spinnaker Tower, she was very friendly.

‘She came back at the end of July for the America’s Cup so this will be her third visit within a 15-month period.

‘We’re very lucky to have that association with her.’

The Duchess of Cambridges peaking with Donna Jones in July 2015. 

Picture: Sarah StandingThe Duchess of Cambridges peaking with Donna Jones in July 2015. 

Picture: Sarah Standing
The Duchess of Cambridges peaking with Donna Jones in July 2015. Picture: Sarah Standing
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The 1851 Trust posted on Twitter saying: ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming our Patron the Duchess.’

Confirming the visit online, Kensington Palace posted on Twitter and said: ‘The Duchess visits @LandRoverBAR on 20 May to see @1851Trust inspire the next generation in sailing and science.’