Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have travelled to Nottingham today to spend time with young people at The Community Recording Studio in St Ann’s.
The outing marks the first time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped out publicly together since returning to the UK in August.
The Community Recording Studio (CRS) was set up in 1991 by Trevor Rose and Nick Sterrett with the original aim of providing music and recording access to local youth.
Over the years, it has expanded well beyond its musical roots, now delivering creative programmes, sporting activities, mentoring and youth development work.
At its core, the organisation offers a secure and supportive environment for young people contending with poverty, instability, exploitation or violence, helping them gain confidence, acquire new skills and work towards brighter prospects.
The enduring influence of CRS is evident in former participants who have returned to serve as mentors themselves.
Today, the Duke of Sussex met Jah Digga, a musician, poet and youth mentor whose own story powerfully illustrates the charity’s lasting impact. Having attended CRS as a child, he has spoken openly about how the organisation helped him step away from gang involvement and become a positive role model for the next generation.
The Duchess of Sussex, meanwhile, took part in a bracelet-making workshop alongside young girls, an activity designed to foster self-belief and resilience while encouraging open conversations about handling rejection.
The couple also watched an acting workshop run by professional actor André Squire, underscoring how creative opportunities can help young people develop both skills and self-assurance.
The visit underlined more than 10 years of sustained commitment by the Duke and Duchess to Nottingham’s young people.
Harry’s connection to the St Ann’s community stretches back more than a decade, beginning with a private visit in 2013.
That initial engagement led to the creation of “Full Effect”, a Royal Foundation-backed programme uniting CRS with Epic Partners and creative collaborator Latimer to steer young people away from violence and criminal activity.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
- Prince William marks Black History Month as future King steps out in Hoxton
- King Charles sends well wishes to Pope Leo in private letter after lung cancer diagnosis
- King’s historic Welsh Parliament visit sparks republican backlash
Meghan first encountered young people involved with Epic when the couple visited Nottingham together in December 2017, and she later made private trips to its girls’ nurture group.
Building on this long-standing involvement, the Violence Impacting Young People initiative has since brought together youth organisations and community partners across St Ann’s and Sneinton.
VIYP tackles both the root causes and effects of youth violence through early intervention, creative and sporting opportunities, mentoring and hands-on support, with ambitions to create a replicable model for other communities.
During his September 2025 visit, the Duke announced a £1.1million donation to BBC Children in Need, funding that is being directed towards CRS’s capacity building and redevelopment as well as Epic’s specialist work with young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.
By March 2026, Epic’s programme had reached 45 pupils in seven schools, equipping them to process difficult experiences, build stronger relationships and stay engaged with their education.
The Music Mentors scheme has further deepened the partnership between CRS and Epic, embedding creative sessions and trusted adult figures into young people’s lives.
Meanwhile, CRS has drawn up redevelopment plans in collaboration with Leonard Design, envisaging new creative spaces, a sports hall and an outdoor multi-use games area.
The project is working towards a £3million budget, though additional fundraising and cost planning remain necessary.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter