The Duchess of Edinburgh visits Oxfordshire

We were honoured to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh to Oxfordshire on November 26th 2025 for a series of visits celebrating the power of community collaboration.

Her Royal Highness started her visit at the Raw Workshop in Blackbird Leys, where social enterprise meets sustainability. HRH toured their workshop with Rick Mower, Managing Director and the inspiration behind this impressive initiative. HRH was shown the harvesting facility and met staff and supporters before visiting their charity RAW Potential. HRH had an opportunity to see how RAW use woodworking to provide training, mental health support, and meaningful employment for young people who face the challenge of being excluded from secondary education. An inspiring morning.

Schoolchildren lined the route as The Duchess took a short walk across to the Windale Community Hub, a vital lifeline operating from the Windale Primary School. From food banks to technology classes, this hub demonstrates the incredible strength of neighbours supporting neighbours. HRH joined supporters and visitors with a cup of tea and learnt just how much this enterprise has helped the local community.

HRH concluded her visit at Ronald Mcdonald House Oxford at the John Radcliffe Hospital, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary. The Duchess met with families, staff, and donors at this “home away from home” that has supported over 1,400 families this year alone while their children receive treatment.

Each one of these organisations demonstrates the very best of community spirit.