Prince William and Catherine are undertaking a series of engagements along London’s River Thames today, visiting organisations and individuals whose work supports communities connected to the historic waterway.
The Thames has served as the lifeblood of the capital for centuries, influencing its commerce, neighbourhoods and cultural identity from ancient folk traditions to contemporary city life.
Today’s programme brings together a diverse range of people and groups from across London who continue to contribute to the vitality of the river and surrounding areas.
The royal couple began their day at Borough Market, one of the capital’s oldest and most celebrated food destinations, renowned for its commitment to high-quality, sustainably sourced produce from Britain and beyond.
The royal couple began their day at Borough Market, one of the capital’s oldest and most celebrated food destinations, renowned for its commitment to high-quality, sustainably sourced produce from Britain and beyond.
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During their Borough Market visit, the Prince and Princess spent time with several traders who exemplify the market’s diverse offerings.
They met the Trethowan Brothers, an award-winning family business crafting small-batch traditional cheeses, whose presence at the market dates back to 1998.
The royal couple also engaged with Change Please, a social enterprise that helps homeless individuals through barista training and comprehensive support services.
The organisation has a connection to the Prince of Wales’s charitable work, having received funding from his Homewards programme last year to deliver an employability initiative in Northern Ireland.
Their final stop was Humble Crumble, a London dessert company that has expanded from a single market stall to multiple venues while building a substantial social media presence.
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Their final stop was Humble Crumble, a London dessert company that has expanded from a single market stall to multiple venues while building a substantial social media presence.
Later this afternoon, the Prince and Princess will head to RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station to express their gratitude to the crew and volunteers who save lives on the Thames.
The station, which opened its new premises in 2023 in central London, holds the distinction of being the RNLI’s busiest facility nationwide.
Staff and volunteers operate around the clock throughout the year, maintaining constant readiness to respond to emergencies on the river.
During their Borough Market visit, the Prince and Princess spent time with several traders who exemplify the market’s diverse offerings.
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The Tower crew have already been deployed 45 times since January, following a demanding winter period.
Four RNLI stations operate along the Thames corridor between Teddington and Gravesend, with personnel working 12-hour shifts to provide continuous coverage.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution maintains 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, alongside seasonal lifeguard patrols on more than 240 beaches.
The visit coincides with celebrations marking 25 years since RNLI Lifeguards began keeping Britain’s beaches safe in 2001.
Prince William and Catherine are undertaking a series of engagements along London’s River Thames today, visiting organisations and individuals whose work supports communities connected to the historic waterway.
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FLICKR
The Prince of Wales has a history with the organisation, having toured RNLI Tower Station’s previous location in 2016 and made visits to RNLI Lifeguards in Cornwall and RNLI Lifeboats in Anglesey.
During today’s engagement, Station Manager Kevin Maynard will introduce the duty crew and provide insight into the types of rescue operations conducted at Tower, as well as the training, equipment and support the charity provides for challenging situations.
The royal couple will also meet RNLI Lifeguards preparing to support the University Boat Race, scheduled for Saturday 4th April on the Thames, and hear about their anniversary commemorations.