Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, continues the royal family's artistic legacy as the new Patron of the Southbank Centre, the UK's largest cultural hub.
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, has taken on a prestigious new role as the Patron of the Southbank Centre, a position previously held by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The Southbank Centre, the UK’s largest arts hub, holds a special place in the nation’s cultural landscape. It was inaugurated by King George VI in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain, and since then, it has grown into a leading centre for creativity, diversity, and artistic expression.
With over 5,000 events each year, the Southbank Centre’s year-round programme spans workshops, performances, and projects that aim to engage and inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds—whether they are children, families, or adults. Prince Edward’s patronage marks the continuation of a long-standing royal commitment to supporting the arts.
During a recent tour of the centre, the Duke of Edinburgh had the opportunity to meet with young participants from The Technical Academy, a training initiative aimed at providing hands-on experience in live event production for those aged 18 and above. His visit also included a stop at the Hayward Gallery, where he spoke with staff about the contemporary art exhibition currently on display.
The tour concluded on a heartwarming note with a special performance by local children from Lambeth Schools Music Service, aged 7 to 11, at the iconic Royal Festival Hall.
Prince Edward’s new role as Patron of the Southbank Centre signifies his dedication to fostering a love of the arts across generations and maintaining the strong ties between the royal family and the UK's vibrant cultural sector.
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