The Queen’s youngest son, Edward Earl of Wessex, and his wife Sophie visited Vauxhall City Farm to celebrate Black History Month.
The farm’s chief executive Monica Tyler said: “It was a fantastic day with the Earl and Countess, local community members, local people and Lilian Baylis school students enjoying storytelling, poetry, and a steel band playing all on site.”
Philip Normal, the mayor of Lambeth, and Vauxhall MP Florence Eshalomi joined the visit.
The poetry, including three of his own works, was performed by David Neita – The People’s Poet and Lawyer.
The Royals unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark their visit.
Monica Tyler said it was a great start to the farm’s the month-long celebration. “It will be a Black History Month of notable black figures who have made a difference to people’s lives and there will be a display exhibition on the farm,” she said.
Graduates of the farm’s New Shoots programme also met the royal visitors.
The free six-week programme helps equip unemployed young people with the skills needed to gain employment and provides access to career guidance, mentoring, and training.
The farm and its cafe are currently open from 10.30am to 3.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Virus restrictions mean that six is the maximum size for a group visit to the farm.
These opening hours allow staff to disinfect the entire farm between each day that it is open to the public. All facilities are also cleaned regularly throughout the day.
The farm seeks donations at the door or online to cover the cost of these measures and to safeguard its future.
If you can’t visit in person you can view Vauxhall City Farm TV, which plans to release two new videos about the farm and its animals every Thursday.
