The Prince of Wales has thanked all those who have been involved in the development of the Covid-19 vaccine, saying people can ‘look forward with renewed hope.’
Prince Charles, 72, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, today braved chilly weather and donned colourful masks as they attended a morning church service at Salisbury Cathedral to mark the 800th anniversary of its foundation in 1220.
Wrapped up in winter coats, the royals appeared to be in good spirits as they received a warm welcome from members of the church.
The Duchess of Cornwall opted for a navy ensemble and stylish hat adorned with faux fur details, while the Prince of Wales wore his trusted tan coat.
The Prince of Wales, 72, and the Duchess of Cornwall, 73, headed to Salisbury this morning to attend a church service at the city’s cathedral to mark the 800th anniversary of its foundation (pictured)
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos (pictured)
Addressing the service, Charles said: ‘As we gather here, we are profoundly aware of all those who have gone before us, who have bequeathed us the magnificent legacy of this glorious building, and who have maintained the spiritual community which has kept the flame of faith alive here for so many centuries.
‘Over the years, that faith has sustained this city and this land through many trials and has done so through the many months of the pandemic we are currently experiencing.
‘Over the years, each challenge in turn has been overcome, and that is the case today when, thanks to the inspiring work of all those who have been involved in providing vaccines, we can now look forward with renewed hope.’
Charles also visited Salisbury in the wake of the Novichok poisonings which hit the city in 2018 where he praised residents’ community spirit.
Camilla, who opted for a blue coat with a black hat and boots, added a pop of colour to her outfit with a light blue brooch
While Camilla opted for a floral dark mask, Prince Charles chose a colourful option in turquoise (pictured)
Prince Charles looked dapper in his trusted tan coat and turquoise face masks. Underneath, he was wearing a checked red tie
‘In your response to the pandemic too, it is clear from all I have seen and heard that you have met every hardship with an even greater resolve,’ he said.
‘No-one who contemplates this almost impossibly beautiful building can be in any doubt that those who raised it, in the face of every difficulty, have found successors who are their equal in determination.
‘That continuity, it seems to me, is crucial. There is a sense in which this cathedral was not completed in 1258 – and has never been completed. Work on it has continued ever since.
‘Visitors who believe their view is marred by scaffolding are experiencing what every age has experienced.
‘The work of building, of maintaining and of protecting for the future is for us all to take forward, in each generation – as you have done so splendidly here.
‘This is a living building; these are living stones, just as the Church of Christ, whose coming we remember at this Advent time, is always meant to be.”
Once inside, the Prince of Wales took off his coat, revealing a stylish grey suit with pink shirt and pocket square
The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales discussed the programme that was kindly handed to them when they arrived
Before leaving, the prince and duchess signed the visitors’ book to mark the occasion.
The royal couple did not seem to mind the cold temperature as they headed towards the entrance of the cathedral to attend the service this morning.
Camilla pinned a light blue floral brooch to the left of her dark blue coat, wore a dark patterned face covering and accessorised with a small black clutch bag.
The royal completed her chic outfit with thigh-high black suede boots, and added a pair of black leather gloves to keep her hands warm.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles opted for a more colourful outfit, and teamed his tan coat with a turquoise face mask, which featured geometric detail in green, gold and red.
The royal couple were greeted by the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos.
Once inside, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were handed programmes detailing the order of ceremony – during which they continued to wear their face coverings.
Today marked the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the cathedral.
The church, which is formally known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was erected in 1220.
It has had the UK’s highest spire since 1549, reaching 404 feet high.
The royal couple kept their masks on inside the place of worship for the socially distanced ceremony
All attendees, including the Dean of Salisbury (in yellow), wore masks during the service this morning