Royal couple make surprise visit

KING Charles and Queen Camilla were all smiles when they paid a surprise visit to Poundbury.

The pair were in the town, near Dorchester, to see the positive impact several new public spaces have had on the community, built on Duchy of Cornwall land with the King having a helping hand in planning and design.

Poundbury was designed according to the principles of architecture and urban planning laid out in his book, A Vision of Britain, and is home to 4,600 people with a mix of private and affordable housing.

It also provides employment for more than 2,500 people working in 250-plus shops, cafes, offices and factories.

During their visit, the former Duke and Duchess of Cornwall viewed new bronze reliefs of themselves, to mark the completion of Queen

Mother Square, the centre of Poundbury.

Created by artist Ian Rank-Broadley, the reliefs sit above a Portland stone plaque that records the architects and businesses that worked with the Duchy of Cornwall to establish Queen Mother Square.

They also opened The Duke of Edinburgh Garden, which forms part of Pavilion Green, before viewing a bust of the late Duke of Edinburgh within the garden.

A local brass band played as Their Majesties arrived at The Royal Pavilion to meet those involved in the development.

Children from the local Damers First School performed their Coronation song, Sing for The King.