Prince William’s Surprise Visit to Duchy College Unveils Bold Plans for Youth and Sustainability
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, made his third public appearance this week with a visit to Duchy College Stoke Climsland in Callington, Cornwall, told People. During his time in the area, where he is also known as the Duke of Cornwall, William’s focus was on learning about the college’s efforts to create opportunities for young people in rural communities.
The Prince was greeted warmly by the college’s staff as he arrived to tour the campus, which is part of the Stoke Climsland Farm Cluster. The cluster includes 23 farms, some of which are Duchy farms, and is dedicated to driving environmental change in the region. During the visit, Prince William explored various initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability and youth development.
As part of his engagement, William participated in a CSI training exercise conducted by students from the Military & Protective Services Academy. He also took time to visit a student-run café, where he heard from students involved in the Future Farm program, an initiative designed to educate and equip young people with the tools to lead in the field of sustainable farming.
Duchy College Stoke Climsland is recognized as a leader in land-based education in Southwest England. It offers degrees in agriculture, equine science, horticulture, and other fields related to rural and environmental studies. The college has steadily grown since its inception in 1984, when it was established as a County Agricultural College through a lease from the Duchy of Cornwall to Cornwall County Council.
One of the most recent advancements at the college is the Future Farm facility, an innovative project aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices. The Duchy of Cornwall has been deeply involved in the development of the college, actively supporting various programs and initiatives.
A highlight of the Duchy’s involvement is the Land Steward team’s participation in the education of Year 2 Agriculture students. The team conducts a mock farm tender exercise at a Duchy farm, allowing students to gain real-world experience in the agricultural sector. This hands-on approach has become an integral part of the curriculum, helping prepare students for future challenges in the field.
William’s visit underscores his commitment to rural development, environmental sustainability, and the empowerment of young people in rural communities. His engagement with students and educators at Duchy College further highlights the important role institutions like these play in fostering future leaders in agriculture and sustainability.