Duchess of Cambridge visits RPT

Rugby Portobello Trust received a Royal visit on Tuesday 12 December, when the Duchess of Cambridge came to meet staff, volunteers, families, young people and children and help set up a Christmas party at the centre on Walmer Road in Kensington. The visit was partly to commend the support offered by the Trust to the local community in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire last summer.

The Duchess talked with members of the Magic Mums parenting group as she joined one of their sessions and handed out Christmas presents to the children. She also spent time with a group of young people taking part in a music workshop.

Her Royal Highness met members of RPT staff, including the New Homes Team - who are helping to ensure that those affected by the Grenfell fire receive all the support and accommodation they’re entitled to - before speaking privately with one of the survivors.

The Duchess joined children, staff and volunteers to help lay out festive decorations ready for the children’s Christmas party held later that afternoon.

Everyone then gathered in the main hall as P3 and RPT CEO Mark Simms handed out an ‘Outstanding Team Award’ for everyone at the Trust and the Duchess presented a letter from herself, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The letter thanked and praised staff and volunteers in supporting the community through such a ‘time of overwhelming grief and sadness’ and the Duchess said in her speech that it was clear that the centre ‘really benefits everybody on so many levels.’

The visit finished with a Christmas wish from Her Royal Highness, and an atmosphere of celebration, of all that this community has achieved, and continues to achieve together.