The Duke of Gloucester visits key sites in Bury St Edmunds, including St Edmundsbury Cathedral

The Duke of Gloucester with Greene King head of brewing and operations, David Carr. (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

During his tour he took in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Greene King’s brewery in Westgate Street and the Theatre Royal.

He also unveiled a plaque at Manson House, which is a newly-updated retirement home of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Dean of the cathedral, Dr Frances Ward, said: “It’s a tremendous occasion to welcome the Queen’s first cousin to show him round and the progress over the last 10 years since the tower was completed.”

At the cathedral the Duke learned about projects to construct the tower and the Cloisters, he visited the Crypt Treasury - where he got to view rare books and artefacts - and the Ancient Library, and he had a special look at the tower and new organ case.

He also met children from Bawdsey Primary School, who were involved in Discovery Centre activities.

He then ventured outside to see the south-side of the cathedral, the Edmund statue and Norman Tower.

Horry Parsons, tower project manager, and who met Prince Charles four times on the project, added: “It’s a pleasure to show people around.”

Later in the afternoon the Duke enjoyed a tour of the brewery, where he got to learn about its history, before moving on to the Theatre Royal, where he viewed an exhibition of the restoration of the playhouse 50 years ago.

From a theatre box, he also got the chance to watch an excerpt from the rehearsals of the forthcoming play ‘A Labour of Love’ by Danusia Iwaszko.

At Manson House he unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of three-year project to update and develop the retirement home.