Duchess of Cornwall to visit Greenwich twice next week

Greenwich will receive two visits from HRH The Duchess or Cornwall next week.

The Duchess, who is patron of the British Equestrian Foundation, will be present at the Greenwich Park Eventing Invitational, part of the London 2012 test event series, on Monday and Wednesday.

On Monday, Her Royal Highness will attend a reception for 400 guests including riders and international equestrian federations. On Wednesday, she will be present for the final show jumping phase of the event and will present the prizes.

Speaking to journalists at a press briefing yesterday, the Leader of Greenwich Council, Chris Roberts (pictured below), said that being a host borough continued "to be a source of tremendous pride" and listed the benefits for the Greenwich.

"1000 of our residents are working on the Olympic sites, our businesses have secured something like £70million worth of contracts and we have the most iconic venues of the games which will continue to support our tourism in the years following the games.

"We are investing close on £20million across our borough on playgrounds, parks and school in terms of additional facilities... to raise our parks and get 12 of them to Green Flag status. We're planting 2012 trees in recognition of next year and ensuring the Cutty Sark and new pier are constructed in time for the games.

He also confirmed that Greenwich school kids are working to "design a Greenwich jump" which will feature in the course for London 2012.

David Luckes MBE, London 2012's Senior Sports Manager and a former Olympian himself, said Greenwich Park was a "fabulous location" but also a "historically sensitive site" which they were "committed to treating with great respect."

The next phase of closures begins in the park tomorrow as footpaths on the eastern side of the park are closed until the 6th July.

Local pressure group, NOGOE, will be holding peaceful protests on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week at the St Mary's Gate entrance to the park.