This afternoon the Prince of Wales visited Aberystwyth University. He was there more than fifty years ago.
As he donned a masque to inaugurate the new Veterinary Education Centre at the Institute, the 73 year-old Royal looked cheerful.
Charles arrived at University, on the coast of north Wales, just before noon Friday to address the first group of veterinary students that began in September.
He recalled his time at university and said, “I still have the horrifying feeling that it has been 52 years since my last visit.” However, I still have special memories from that period.
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The Prince of Wales, five decades later, looked thrilled to be back at Aberystwyth University Friday. He opened the new Veterinary Education Centre – and enjoyed a cup o’ tea while he toured the campus.
Dem bones! The royal, 73, donned a mask supporting the Turquoise Mountain charity as he adhered to the university’s mask-wearing rules
He signed the same visitor’s book that he had written in in 1969 when he was a student.
As he wrote in the former university’s visitors book, the Prince seemed a bit emotional
The royal wore a snug-looking camel-coloured coat to keep warm in the brisk temperatures, and while indoors he followed the university’s mask-wearing policy, donning a mask with a Turquoise Mountain design, referencing one of the charities he supports.
The Prince has had a very busy couple of weeks. He visited Jordan in November and Egypt, before going to Barbados to commemorate the independence of the Caribbean nation from the British Commonwealth.
The Prince, who was travelling alone, was received by Sara Edwards (Lord-Lieutenant de Dyfed), the University’s chancellor Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd and Vice Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure along with other dignitaries.
To mark the opening, he unveiled a plaque. The centre on the Penglais campus has been opened jointly with the Royal Veterinary College as Wales’ first and only School of Veterinary Science, and funded by £500,000 in donations from alumni.
Those accepted will begin their studies at Aberystwyth University for two years, followed by three years at Hawkshead Campus at Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire.
Through Welsh, they will be able to study specific aspects of veterinary science.
The Prince signed the visitors book that he had written in in 1969 when he was a student at the Centre after touring it.
When the Prince of Wales and Sara Edwards (the Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed) arrive to open Aberystwyth University’s School of Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth University, they walk together
In order to officially open the facility, the heir-to-the-throne aged 73 pulls a satin cover from the opening plaque
Students were told by him that he had a horrible feeling that it has been 52 years since he was last here. However, I do have some very unique memories from that period.
The Prince isn’t hoarding: he listened attentively to the students as they discussed their education at the educational facility
The Prince walks past a model horse in life size, complete with internal organs sketched on its outside.
As he takes a tour through the state-ofthe-art facilities, Prince of Wales touches an animal skull.
The new Veterinary Education Centre has opened as part of Wales’ first and only School of Veterinary Science and represents more than £2 million of investment in new teaching facilities on the University’s Penglais campus (Pictured: Prince Charles listens in as a skull is examined)
In a grey suit and a red shirt, the royal toured university facilities and studied.
Elin Gore (15 years old) made Bara Brith Tea Bread and presented him with honey pots.
Charles was able to learn Welsh during his stay in Aberystwyth. He even gave his investiture speech in Welsh in July 1969.
Charles stated that he was very happy to be able to return to Aberystwyth before the unveiling. The fact that it has been 52 years now makes me feel terrible. However, I do have some very unique memories from that period.
During a tour of the facility, Prince William inspects an veterinary specimen.
The Prince of Wales will visit Hafod Hardware, a family-owned store in the Welsh town as part of his tour. (Pictured at the School of Veterinary Science today)
The Prince looked animated as he learned more about what the students study at the centre, which includes brand new anatomy and study facilities
‘I was delighted to be able to help open the school (the school), after meeting some of them and interrupting their studies most successful.
“I hope that they have great success and the school will thrive.”
Treasure, vice chancellor, said: “This was a long process in planning. A veterinary school will be opening this year and another nursing school in the next few years. They will both be vitally important to Wales.
On Friday, the Prince of Wales will visit Hafod Hardware in the Hafod family to support the high street and celebrate local businesses.
This shop was famous for its Christmas advert, which went viral in 2019 and featured four-year old Arthur Jones as the manager of the store. This video has been viewed almost 3 million times.
Hardware store, one of Rhayader’s oldest, dates back to 1895. It is currently one of Rhayader’s most popular attractions.