Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex visit Isle of Wight

Their first stop was at Pan in Newport.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex at Downside Community Centre. Picture courtesy of Pan Together.

The Royal couple saw work done by Downside Community Centre, Barnardo's Family Centre, and at Barton Primary School.

Read more: Royal visit for the Isle of Wight 

At Pan in Newport. Picture courtesy of Pan Together.

Scroll down to see video of some exciting children, enjoying the royal visit today.

Prince Edward at Downside Community Centre. Picture courtesy of Pan Together.

Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, also visited the Isle of Wight Agricultural Society Education Day, at the Royal County Showground.

They dropped in to visit the Isle of Wight charities Independent Arts and South West Area Youth (SWAY).

Participants, volunteers, staff and arts practitioners welcomed The Earl of Wessex to
Independent Arts Creative Hub in Newport.

The Earl of Wessex at Independent Arts. Picture by Julian Winslow.

Arts Practitioner Kirstie Hayler, a ceramicist demonstrates regal dogs to The Earl of
Wessex, explaining how participants of all ages enjoy making models with clay

During the hour-long visit, The Earl, a longstanding supporter of the arts, joined in with a demonstration of therapeutic Singing for Breathing and toured the Heritage Newport Mills gallery exhibition of art installations created by Young Carers, the Newport Scouts and Year 5 students from St Helen’s Primary School.

His Royal Highness also learnt about the charity’s wellbeing workshops in care homes around the Island, meeting some of the hugely talented musicians and artists who bring such joy to residents, particularly those with dementia.

The Earl of Wessex visiting Independent Arts. Picture by Julian Winslow. (Image: Julian Winslow)

Above, The Earl enjoys chatting to musicians JC & Cathy Grimshaw and Tony Nichol who provide interactive workshops in island care homes, managed by Nicola Ward.

The royals also visited residents of Columbus House in Shanklin.

Thanks to Baz Pearce for the photos of that section of the royal visit.

The royal couple visited Columbus House in Shanklin. Picture by Gaz Pearce.

The royal couple were accompanied on the visits by Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex in Shanklin today. Picture by Gaz Pearce.

Prince Edward and Countess Sophie departing Sandown Airport in G-XXEB! @islandecho @iwightradio @iwcponline pic.twitter.com/lHK8YV9aOY

— Matthew Fuoss (@MatthewFuoss) May 24, 2022

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