Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester visited Herefordshire on 13 July 2026, undertaking engagements that highlighted the county’s outstanding charitable, creative and horticultural sectors.

The visit began at The Little Princess Trust in Hereford, where HRH was welcomed by the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley CBE. The Duchess toured the charity’s facilities, learning about its life-changing work providing real-hair wigs to children and young people experiencing hair loss, as well as its internationally recognised hair donation programme and pioneering research funding initiatives.

During the visit, HRH met trustees, staff and volunteers, observed the preparation and processing of hair donations, witnessed the specialist craftsmanship involved in wig making, and learned more about the fitting process that supports children and families across the United Kingdom and beyond. The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the occasion.

The Duchess then visited Hereford Make CIC, a creative community workshop and maker space that supports artists, craftspeople and creative enterprises. HRH was introduced to a range of artists and makers, viewing examples of their work and hearing how the organisation provides opportunities for collaboration, innovation and skills development within the county.

At the organisation’s forge, The Duchess met craftspeople using traditional metalworking techniques and observed demonstrations of blacksmithing and forging. The visit celebrated the importance of creative industries in fostering both cultural enrichment and economic growth across Herefordshire.

In the afternoon, HRH visited Wyevale Nurseries, one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries, as it celebrates its 95th anniversary. During a tour of the business, The Duchess learned about modern horticultural production, sustainability initiatives, peat-free growing methods, climate resilience projects and the company’s commitment to nurturing future talent through apprenticeships and staff development.

The visit included an opportunity to meet long-serving employees, specialist growers and apprentices, showcasing the expertise and dedication that have helped establish Wyevale Nurseries as a nationally respected business. To commemorate the company’s 95 years of operation, HRH planted a tree, cut an anniversary cake and participated in a group photograph with staff.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley CBE, said: 

"It was a great honour that HRH The Duchess of Gloucester visited Hereford this week. On this occasion HRH had three engagements. Firstly, to the Little Princess Trust which is an established charity which both funds research and provides wigs for children who have lost their hair; secondly, to Hereford Make, a CIC which gives access to one of Hereford’s great crafts (blacksmithing) to people who might otherwise not be able to experience; and finally to Wyevale Nurseries, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary."