The Duke of Edinburgh visited Quay Arts on the Isle of Wight today (Thursday, April 16) as part of a wider tour celebrating the Isle of Wight’s cultural and creative scene.
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Prince Edward was joined by Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon as he began his visit at the Newport arts centre, a key hub for the Island’s creative community.
During his time at Quay Arts, His Royal Highness spoke with representatives from Shademakers, The New Carnival Company and IW Open Studios, hearing about the breadth of creative activity taking place across the Island.
He was shown around exhibitions by Andrew Dutton, Del Seymour, and Ian Whitmore, and met with a range of organisations involved in local arts and heritage.
The Duke also visited the Anthony Minghella Theatre, where he learned about the CAN YOU HEAR US? programme, delivered in partnership with Creative Island and Creative Lives.
The initiative supports community-led creative projects through micro-grants, with activities running between March and October 2026.
Projects include craft workshops, music, storytelling and performance, many of which are rooted in local heritage and the natural environment.
The Duke met members of several participating groups, including the Young Farmers, the IW Indonesian Community, In Focus and HMP IW, to hear how creative work is helping people connect and express local identity.
Gavin Stride, director of Creative Island, said: "This is a great opportunity to express confidently the ambition and beauty of the Island and to remind The Duke of the range of people engaged in creativity and capturing the history of our communities.
"We are really pleased to be hosting this visit as we prepare for six weeks of the CAN YOU HEAR US? programme, happening later this year, that celebrates all that the Island is.”
Prince Edward left Newport shortly after midday to continue his visit elsewhere on the Island.
His itinerary also included stops at Ventnor Exchange and Ventnor Arts Club, as well as visits to Brading Youth Club and Brading Roman Villa, where he is due to meet representatives from the museum sector and present the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at the Village Hall.
More to follow.
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