The Duke of Gloucester visits Oxfordshire

It was a packed programme for The Duke of Gloucester’s visit today, July 24th 2025, illustrating a wide range of talent and expertise across our County.

HRH started his visit at the University of Oxford’s Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility (CBF) where he was received by the Lord-Lieutenant and met staff, students and pioneers of vaccine research and development. Professor Catherine Green, Head of the CBF, showed HRH around their laboratories, providing a unique insight into their latest work. HRH then visited the Institute of Development & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) where he met Professor Teresa Green and Professor Sir Andrew Pollard from the Oxford Vaccine Group. The visit highlighted just how much Oxford has been at the forefront of world-leading medical science.  

HRH went on to visit Williams Jet Tenders, founded by brothers Mathew and John Hornsby over 20 years ago and still manufacturing world-leading jet tenders from their site in Berinsfield. HRH unveiled their latest superyacht tender ‘Origin 57’ and met long-serving staff and new apprentices.

HRH ended his visit in Didcot where he attended a Didcot Powerhouse Gathering at Bee House in Milton Park and met grant recipients and donors. HRH met groups of volunteers working within the community supported by the inspiring Didcot Powerhouse, a place-based fund bringing together companies and individuals to work together and fund local need.

HRH concluded his visit at the Didcot Railway Centre and visited the Great Western Society. As a railway enthusiast, HRH much enjoyed meeting dedicated volunteers who restore and operate the locomotives – and the visit included a brief journey on the demonstration line. The GWS has been supporting the local community for many years and the Centre is a very popular local attraction.