WELLS welcomed two royal visitors this week.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the town on Monday, May 17, where they took a trip to various places, including The Bishop’s Palace and the Bath and West Showground.

The pair visited to discuss plans for a positive future, following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the Bishop’s Palace, The Earl of Wessex was welcomed by chair of The Palace Trust, Rear Admiral David Wood and chief executive Rosie Martin.

They then waked to the croquet lawn, where The Earl heard about the changes made at the site during the pandemic. Here, he met visitor experience manager Laura Richards, cafe manager Nat Burge and volunteers Ruth Clarke and Colin Fenton.

Somerset County Gazette: VISIT: The Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Bishop's Palace in Wells. Pic: Bishop's Palace

Prince Edward then visited the south lawn, which is adjacent to the ruins of the great hall. Here, he heard about the ongoing work the palace is doing with the community, from community engagement manager Siobhan Goodwin.

She spoke to The Earl about recent projects involving mental health groups, and introduced representatives from Heath Connections Mendip and The Lawrence Centre.

James Cross, head gardener then took His Royal Highness on a tour through the formal gardens and out to the Arboretum.

Somerset County Gazette:

This was planted in 1977 for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

And the pair discussed the launch of The Queen’s Green Canopy - the national initiative to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which was launched on May 17.

People in the UK are being encouraged to Plant a Tree for the Jubilee and The Bishop’s Palace will be doing this with the help of students from The Blue School and Wells Cathedral School.

Students from both schools were presented to The Earl.

The party then went for tea in the medieval Undercroft of the Palace, hosted by Bishop Ruth.

The Countess of Wessex also joined the party for tea, and Their Royal Highnesses were then bid farewell by the Right Reverend Peter Hancock, who retires at the end of this week, and his wife Jane Hancock.

Somerset County Gazette: VISIT: The Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Bath and West Showground. Pic: Somerset NHS Foundation TrustVISIT: The Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Bath and West Showground. Pic: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

The Earl and the Countess of Wessex also visited the Bath and West Showground on Monday as well.

Somerset County Gazette: VISIT: The Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Bath and West Showground. Pic: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Here, they met with key colleagues and volunteers who are working on the programme, as well as a few people who were receiving their vaccines.

Somerset County Gazette: VISIT: The Earl and Countess of Wessex at the Bath and West Showground. Pic: Somerset NHS Foundation Trust