Prince Edward: Duke of Edinburgh makes royal visit to Oxford

Prince Edward, 13th in line to the throne, was visiting the city as part of a cultural trip with several local institutions lined up on the tour.

He arrived in the city at 11.30am with an entourage of police and Range Rovers at the Story Museum in Pembroke Street for his first stop of the day.

His Royal Highness spent time with children from Bruern Abbey School, New Hinksey Church of England Primary School as well as St Mary and St John Primary School.

Prince Edward also visited The Story Museum. (Image: Newsquest)

The 59-year-old toured the facilities which had vastly changed since his previous visit to the Story Museum in 2012. 

Caroline Jones, CEO of The Story Museum said: “We were really proud to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh back to The Story Museum, which has completely transformed since he was last here in 2012.

“His Royal Highness got to see children of all ages enjoying our spaces and many stories.

“The Duke seemed unperturbed by a dragon tail waved in his direction, and by a giant talking beetle. 

“His Royal Highness seemed to be highly engaged and excited by The Story Museum and he was lovely company.”

Prince Edward at Flo's in Oxford. (Image: Ed Nix)

The Story Museum’s production manager, Nomi Everall, added: “The Story Curators were proud to represent The Story Museum and delighted to have the opportunity to meet The Duke of Edinburgh.

“They really enjoyed showing their costumes in the newly redeveloped Alice display in our Enchanted Library.

“The Story Curators, who are aged 12-16, are already showing a sense of ownership within The Story Museum, and really feel part of the team, which is exactly what we’re aiming for.”

Prince Edward also visited the Old Fire Station on George Street and Flo’s- The Place in the Park in Rymers Lane following his morning session at the Story Museum.

The Old Fire Station was also a stop on Prince Edward's tour. (Image: Newsquest)

The Duke arrived at Flo’s at around 2.20pm and chatted with various groups and projects ran at the site including visiting children in Flo’s Nature Escape nursery provision.

Prince Edward’s trip comes just under a month after it was announced he would take a brief hiatus from royal duties after completing his overseas trips to South Africa and St. Helena.

During his excursion, Prince Edward said hello to the same 192-year-old tortoise his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, met during her 1947 visit as a princess.

This is the second royal visit to Oxfordshire in just four months after King Charles III came to SOFEA (South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance) in Didcot in November 2023.