prince charles visit to pittsburgh

clock This article was published more than  36 years ago

THE PRINCE'S DIM VIEW

Amid a heavy snow, charles surveys pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH, MARCH 4 -- This self-celebrating city today attempted to shine for the

first-ever visit of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. But the

weather was sadly uncooperative.

A sudden, blizzardlike snowstorm struck, then abated ever so

slightly as the prince's motorcade rolled onto Grand View Avenue along

the Mount Washington Bridge south of the city's famed Golden Triangle.

Prince Charles gamely disembarked from a silvery Rolls-Royce anyway

and was escorted to an overlook, its normally spectacular view reduced

to a few skyscraper silhouettes, dim beyond romanticism.

Mayor Richard Caliguiri was seen gesturing into near nothingness in

what must have been a frustrating attempt to "point out city landmarks

and explain how the city has developed" -- his task, according to the

official schedule.

Prince Charles is serving as honorary chairman of a week-long

conference, "Remaking the Cities," jointly sponsored by the Royal

Institute of British Architects and the American Institute of

Architects. He will conclude the conference Saturday with an address

that is eagerly anticipated because in previous public statements on

architectural and city planning issues he has vigorously attacked

conventional practices.

One of the chief purposes of the conference,

and of the prince's visit, is to focus attention on the plight of the

"Mon Valley," made up of hill towns lining the winding Monongahela River

southeast of the city. Several of these one-industry towns --

picturesque but economically decimated by the closings of steel mills --

also were on the prince's itinerary today.

Although his view was restricted, to say the least, Prince Charles

was able to accomplish his main goals. In a visit to the Bishop Boyle

Center, in nearby Homestead, he met with Allegheny County commissioners

and was briefed on a voluminous report, "Remaking the Monongahela

This is one of the principal documents of the conference, prepared

by the Regional Urban Design Assistance Team under the sponsorship of

the AIA. It evaluates potential new uses -- tourism, industrial history,

parks, recreational facilities, light industry and conventional

commercial or residential development -- for the vast abandoned steel

mills at Homestead, Duquesne and McKeesport.

And at the aptly named Steel Valley High School in Munhall, he

witnessed a demonstration of the "Office of the Future," a computer

skills program that opened last month. Converting the city and the Mon

Valley sites to high-tech services and production is another of the main

conference themes.

For, although Pittsburgh was chosen as the site for "Remaking the

Cities" because "it is probably the best example on both sides of the

Atlantic of a city that has turned itself around on the basis of local

initiative ... {it is} still confronting major problems," according to

the conference manifesto.

Many in the city and in the Mon Valley towns today were more excited

by the royal presence than by the royal purpose. A few who braved the

storm were rewarded by royal handshakes.

Debbie Schwartz, of Indiana, Pa., was there when the prince crossed

Grand View Avenue. "He said, 'You must be freezing,' " she reported

through chattering teeth. "I stuck my hand out. He shook my hand. His

hand was so warm."

The snow let up in midafternoon just as Prince Charles was

completing his rounds. By dusk skies were clear. The city shone as it

was supposed to. "Light Up Night," when all the lights in all the

skyscrapers downtown are turned on to celebrate a special occasion, went

off without a hitch.

The prince departs Saturday for Palm Beach, Fla., where he will play

a polo match Sunday before returning home Monday.

From the archives: Prince Charles visits Pittsburgh in 1988

This was the last time the man who is now King Charles III visited the Pittsburgh area.

Coverage Details

Bias distribution.

• 100 % of the sources are Center

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Similar News Topics

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Prince Charles Assesses the Castles of Pittsburgh

By Paul Goldberger, Special To the New York Times

• March 6, 1988

Prince Charles, whose criticisms of postwar British architecture and planning have made him his own country's most celebrated architecture critic, took his crusade to the United States today for the first time and expanded his target accordingly.

Addressing a conference on the regeneration of older cities, jointly sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Prince of Wales told his audience, ''In the United States and the United Kingdom, we have had 40 years of practice at urban design and comprehensive planning and development.''

''The results have been pretty disastrous,'' he added.

Charles's talk, which marked the conclusion of the four-day conference, aligned him firmly with the camp of American architects who have sought to distance themselves from postwar modern architecture, even though his theme today revolved more around urban design and the politics of planning than esthetics.

Nonetheless, he restated the plea for a return to traditional architectural styles that he has issued several times on his own turf. He said, ''If we encourage a renaissance of craftsmanship and the art of embellishing buildings for man's pleasure and for the sheer joy in beauty itself, as opposed to mere functionalism, then we shall have made our cities centers of civilization once again.'' Involving the Average Citizen

Several times, the Prince spoke of the need for average citizens to become involved in the process of planning cities. He hailed a movement that has come to be known in England as ''community architecture,'' which takes as its basic principle the notion that people who use buildings should have a central voice in their design.

''When all is said and done, it seems to be that the most essential feature of this whole debate is how to recreate communities,'' the Prince said. ''It is the anonymity created by postwar urban design which seems to have produced a breakdown in the normal functioning of a community.''

His advisers, who have become accustomed to his outspokenness on issues of architectural esthetics, were said to have been divided over his ringing endorsement of the community architecture movement. It is seen by some architects, particularly in the United States, as a radical, somewhat left-wing challenge to their professional expertise. The Prince was reported to have been asked to endorse participation by citizens in the planning process without mentioning the phrase ''community architecture,'' but he used the phrase firmly and deliberately. Enthusiasm and a Pledge

The reaction to his remarks, however, was enthusiastic, even among members of this country's architectural establishment. The Prince was greeted with a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech, and none of the other speakers on this morning's program took issue with his theme. The Prince attended much of the program, listening attentively from a chair on the side of the stage as he scrutinized the ornate classical dome of the hall.

Indeed, so eager did the two professional societies that sponsored the conference appear to let it be known that they were the Prince's fellow travelers that the presidents of the American Institute of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects issued a joint declaration just before his speech. They pledged their organizations ''to the crusade of citizen architecture and community architecture.''

The tone of the Prince's remarks indicated that he had come to have a deep respect, even a reverence, for the idea of citizen participation in planning and designing cities.

''People don't believe it until they see it for themselves, but I know it works,'' he said. ''The secret is to enthuse people who have become demoralized and, perhaps resigned to the hopelessness of their position, through professional leadership and through helping people themselves to overcome problems. Through confidence comes hope: through hope come new ideas and new economic activity. I have seen it with my own eyes. I have talked to those involved and I have seen the skepticism evaporate when people discover how this approach can work.'' No Pittsburgh 'Carbuncles'

The Prince did not criticize any specific work of architecture or planning today, perhaps out of deference to his American hosts. His speech thus contained no remarks like the one he made in London in 1984, when he began his career as an architecture critic by calling a proposed addition to the National Gallery ''a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved friend'' Last December he attacked postwar buildings in London by calling the structures around St. Paul's Cathedral ''a jostling scrum of office buildings so mediocre that the way you remember them is by the frustration they induce.''

Prince Charles did not hesitate to speak about Pittsburgh, which he toured Friday. He urged that preserving older buildings, including at least one nonfunctioning steel mill, be a critical part of any plans for the Monongahela Valley, the depressed industrial area outside Pittsburgh whose uncertain future was used as a case study for the conference.

The Prince also toured the valley and expressed his hope that its older industrial buildings could be viewed ''as a real asset which, once restored and converted, can ensure the town or city has a special character of its own. But still planners and developers persis in destroying so much that is of real intrinsic value.''

He seemed impressed with the city itself, however, and expressed regret that the inclement weather that greeted his arrival Friday made it impossible for him to experience Pittsburgh's celebrated entrance properly, He said he had recently read about it: A mountain hides the view of the city on approach, and then the city is revealed suddenly and dramatically after a tunnel through the mountain gives way directly to a bridge. Of Developers and Awareness

''I hope you will understand if I drive out of the city backwards, today, so as to see it properly,'' the Prince said.

His speech, delivered on the stage of Benedum Hall, a former movie palace recently restored and converted into a performing arts center, also contained some remarks about the attitudes of real estate developers today. ''Urban renewal cannot be left entirely to the kind of developer who lacks an awareness of the type of old-fashioned philanthropy that was evident in a city like Pittsburgh'' in previous generations, Prince Charles said.

He acknowledged the controversy his recent speeches on architecture and planning have aroused and expressed some concern about the extent to which press coverage has led to an expectation that he will continue his outspoken ways. ''As a result I am constantly fascinated by what I am going to say next,'' the Prince said.

• Regional News
• Regional Annual Report
• Special Reports
• Sustainability Watch
• Pittsburgh Tomorrow Podcast
• Contest Ideas
• About Pittsburgh Today
• Creative Capital
• Environment
• American Spirit
• Food & Wine
• Restaurant Reviews
• Architecture & Neighborhoods

A Fascinating New Museum

Karpeles soon began collecting all sorts of documents — manuscripts and maps, concentrating on political history, science, religion, literature, exploration, music and art. With them, he and his wife established the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, now in 10 U.S. cities, including Pittsburgh. With approximately a million documents, theirs is believed to be the world’s largest privately owned collection. It includes the original draft of the Bill of Rights, the Peace Treaty of the War of 1812, Christopher Columbus’s handwritten “Lettera Rarissima,” describing his last voyage to the New World and arrival to the Indies, the sheet music for Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March,” Martin Luther’s treaty of proposed terms given to Emperor Charles V to secure religious freedom and establish Protestantism in the Holy Roman Empire, and sketches from the creator of “Star Trek.” To stimulate interest in learning, the Karpeleses opened their first museum in Tacoma, Wash. They focus on mid-sized cities, and most of their museums are located in former churches or libraries. All are free. The Pittsburgh branch of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum is in Sheraden, in the former Holy Innocents Church. Most of the site, including a convent, rectory and a couple of schools, was purchased by former Steeler Joey Porter’s wife, Christy. She has been developing the property into housing for adults with special needs, a cafeteria to provide daily meals for local kids, a community center, and a trade school. The Karpeleses bought the church to house the museum, which opened last November. Local director Dominic Woods teaches history at Brashear High School and is restoring the 1925 Gothic structure, said to be evocative of Notre-Dame. While most of the architectural elements have been removed (and some relocated to a church in Charlotte, N.C.), the stunning rose window and pipe organ remain. Woods also works at the national level, helping to select and curate the special, temporary exhibits.

However, the manuscripts and documents are the main attraction. It’s easy to miss some of the meat of the permanent collection, displayed in the building’s narthex, or entrance. There, you’ll see one of 14 surviving handwritten pages of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” the only surviving autograph page from the manuscript of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the manuscript of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Greek Interpreter” (the Karpeles Manuscript Libraries are among only five museums in the world to own more than one Doyle manuscript), a quote of John Donne, handwritten by Ernest Hemingway, from which he got the title of his Spanish Civil War novel, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” Babe Ruth’s signed Red Sox contract, and more. (Sometimes, due to the fragility, replicas are on display, with originals shown on special occasions.) In the nave, or main part, of the building, exhibits change several times a year. One focused on Teddy Roosevelt included a letter about his readiness to accept the nomination for the presidency. Another, the “Trail of Broken Treaties,” contained numerous treaties between the U.S. and Native American nations. The current exhibit focuses on religions and includes pages from the Egyptian Book of the Dead (1550–1069 B.C.), the Epistle of Paul (180 A.D.), the Gutenberg Bible, a 1462 Bible and a King James Bible.

Near the altar, beautiful replicas of historic boats with associated documents include the Titanic, with the checklist giving the ship approval to sail, sheet music of the song the orchestra was playing as the ship sunk, the Carpathia captain’s diary documenting the rescue of Titanic passengers, and a letter about the disaster from British Prince Edward. The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum makes high-quality copies available to schools via traveling exhibits; just four schools are involved so far, but it’s hoped that more will participate. Visitors also can also request to view copies of manuscripts not on display. Some 50 to 60 documents typically are displayed, with descriptions explaining their significance.

David Karpeles died last year, and his son Mark and daughter Cheryl now lead the museums. Focusing on quality over quantity, they have reduced the number of museums from 17 to 10, and plan further consolidation. They are also considering development to assure future financial stability. Pittsburgh is fortunate that the Karpeles family located one of its museums here. This trove of fascinating documents is worth the drive. For more information, visit www.karpeles.com pq

Barbara is a freelance writer living in Fox Chapel. She is an expert shopper for the best in local products and services.

Related Articles

Ohio’s Amish Country

Going to Gettysburg

Twin Pine: A Singular Shopping Experience

Canton – a Great Fall Getaway

If You’re Yurting for a Break …

How About a Delicious Peach Cobbler (and more)?

The Spirits of the Season

A Trip to Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes

Other articles in this series, don’t miss a story from pq..

Email address

Get Pittsburgh’s No. 1 magazine in your mailbox.

Don’t miss a story! Sign up for our newsletter to receive award-​winning journalism in your inbox.

A Royal Stroll through J.C. Penney

• Share by Facebook
• Share by Email

When Prince Charles and Princess Diana touched down at the Andrews Air Force base on November 9, 1985, they were greeted by mass hysteria from Americans, and the political elite of Washington. [1]  Thousands descended upon the city to see the royal visitors and, in particular, the almost mythical Princess Diana. Indeed, Washingtonians watched her every move – and what she wore – with great interest as she made the usual circuit of glamorous parties and embassy dinners.

This infatuation is precisely what publicity coordinators for the J.C. Penney department store had in mind when the company approached the British Embassy with an idea. [2] What if the Princess of Wales took a shopping trip while she was in Washington? After all, the purpose of Diana’s visit to America was to make her familiar with the country and what was more American than a shopping mall? Furthermore, Diana’s visit aligned perfectly with the release of a special British clothing collection, complete with mock Rolls Royce’s situated around Penney’s Springfield Mall store.

British authorities liked the idea, which one of the trip coordinators quipped would be “the most populist” event on the royal family’s itinerary. [3] But, there was a lot of legwork that needed to be done – in secret – before the event was green lit.  It all started when several employees made the trip to Britain, in search of pieces for the collection. During this time, they met with several British Trade Commission officials, as well as embassy contacts. [4] The embassy asked that J.C. Penney corporate officials draw up a proposal for a royal visit, and soon enough an agreement was reached. However, that agreement didn’t happen before Charles’ very own personal secretary scoped out the department store months beforehand. It was all very secretive, and only seven employees in total knew, and they had to do their absolute best not to tell anyone until the Embassy was ready. [5]

For the store, the visit had the obvious benefit of bringing lots of media attention, which executives hoped would help establish a new image for J.C. Penney, apart from its old days as a dime store. [6] As PR manager Harvey McCormick put it, “It sort of underscores the overall direction the company is taking with both the taste level of our merchandise and the décor of our stores.” [7] This was in part due to the extensive amount of business J.C. Penney had conducted with businesses in London and around the U.K. For years, several London-based companies had been the main supplier of suits for the department store.  When it came time for J.C. Penney to rebrand itself, the first step was to look overseas for inspiration.   

When the big day came, only store employees, corporate employees, and a few guests were permitted inside. [8]  There were no cars allowed in the mall parking lot, but bystanders were allowed to stand there, many waiting eagerly for the arrival of the Princess. [9]  It was a different sight for the rest of the mall; everything was business as usual, because it was highly unlikely that Princess Diana would suddenly have a craving for a giant cookie or a soft pretzel. Those who were the most committed fans of the royal couple, lined up outside J.C. Penney’s in the very early hours of the morning. 

Many were willing to wait all day if necessary, but luckily the royal motorcade arrived on time. [10] When the princess, with the somewhat less interested Prince Charles in tow, did arrive, she was greeted by 6,000 excited Americans, who were all waiting to see Diana’s outfit choices for the day and what might catch her eye in the store. [11]  The air was filled with frantic screams, and plenty of British themed balloons floating about. The royal couple was rushed into the store within seconds of their arrival, but that didn’t stop almost 400 people pressing themselves against the locked glass doors at the entrance. [12] Among the horde were a few familiar faces, although the royal couple was not all too keen to see them. A few veterans of the British paparazzi had hopped across the pond, intent on documenting every second of Diana’s first visit to the United States. However, their hopes of catching Diana trying on a fake tweed suit were dashed, as security officials kept the cameras behind ropes. [13]

Once she was in the store, the Princess of Wales made a beeline for the suit section. There she was greeted by James Bradford, the owner of a London-based clothing company, who proceeded to show Diana all of J.C. Penney’s finest suits. [14] However, Princess Di was not a fan of single breasted suits apparently. After James Bradford showed her a few from the collection, the princess remarked “Don’t you have double breasted suits in this country?” which shocked the staff. [15]  Mr. Bradford explained to Diana that a single breasted suit was much more customary in America, but the Princess insisted that double breasted suits were much more flattering. [16] This promptly motivated J.C. Penny’s staff to come up with ideas for a new double breasted suit collection that would undoubtedly be in honor of Diana. [17]

Although the goal of the visit was not to make a sale, the Springfield store manager admitted that “we were hoping, but we didn’t really expect her to buy anything”. [18] To their delight, Diana settled upon purchasing an eight dollar scarf, which the public then desperately tried to get their hands on after she left. [19] After all, it’s not everyday someone could wear the same scarf as the Princess of Wales. Washington was obsessed with her because, in the words of fifteen-year-old Serena Smith, “she’s just really neat.” [20]

• ^ Elizabeth Kastor. "The Royal Couple Arrives." The Washington Post. Nov 10, 1985.
• ^ Jacqueline Trescott. "All Prepared, Penneywise." The Washington Post. Nov 11, 1985.
• ^ "Keeping Up with the Waleses." The Washington Post. Nov 12, 1985.
• ^ Lloyd Grove Washington. "The British Press: Agony of the Odyssey on the Royal Beat." The Washington Post. Nov 13, 1985.
• ^ "Keeping Up with the Waleses." The Washington Post. 1985.

About the Author

You might also like.

A King at Mount Vernon

In 1939 King George VI became the first reigning British monarch to set foot on American soil. The most ironic soil he stepped on? Mount Vernon's.

Malcolm X's Unlikely Washington Connections

Malcolm X is not generally identified with Washington, D.C., but the city was the setting for two of the most unlikely connections of his life.

Patsy Cline's Washington Connection

Country music legend Patsy Cline became a star in Nashville, but Washington played an important role in her rise.

Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC.

From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. Spend the day with us!

Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen".

The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858.

Need primary and secondary sources, videos, or interactives? Explore our Education Pages!

The Washington Library is open to all researchers and scholars, by appointment only.

The Prince Charles Tour

You, too, can follow the route that prince charles experienced.

On March 18, 2015, His Royal Highness Charles, the Prince of Wales, and Her Royal Highness Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited George Washington’s Mount Vernon as part of their visit to the Washington, D.C. area.

During their stay, Their Royal Highnesses explored the heart of Mount Vernon. With this tour, you can follow in their footsteps.

Stop One: The North Lane

Exiting from their motorcade and walking towards the Mansion, their Royal Highnesses traveled down the North Lane and viewed Mount Vernon’s original outbuildings. Along this path, the royal couple passed the blacksmith shop, spinning room, the overseer’s cottage, and other interesting structures that you can visit today.

• See the Blacksmith Shop
• See the working loom in the spinning room

Stop Two: The Mansion

Following the North Lane, the royal couple proceeded into the Mansion for an in-depth tour of George and Martha Washington’s home. Mount Vernon first welcomed Prince Charles in 1970 . During this most recent visit, he viewed the many painstakingly researched improvements that have been made to the estate over the years, including the recent restoration of the Mansion’s New Room. The Prince even managed to head up into the famous cupola atop the Mansion.

• See the Mansion Room by Room
• Take a Virtual Tour
• Learn about the New Room Restoration

Stop Three: The East Lawn

From the east end of the New Room, the royal couple walked along the iconic Piazza and then out onto the east lawn for a breathtaking view of the Potomac River. For decades, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association has been active in preserving the far shore of the Potomac to ensure that the impressive view George Washington enjoyed will remain just as pristine.

• Saving Washington's View
• Preservation at Mount Vernon

"You know what was nice...going back to Mount Vernon. It was fantastic...it is special that spot..."  

 - Prince Charles to President Obama

Stop Four: The Kitchen

After completing their Mansion tour, Their Royal Highnesses visited Mount Vernon’s kitchen. George Washington once referred to Mount Vernon as a “well resorted tavern,” due to its constant stream of house guests and reputation for hospitality. Martha Washington oversaw the production of each meal, and this kitchen was the staging place for delicious dinners prepared with foodstuffs from Washington’s gardens, fields, and pastures. Washington’s kitchen includes three workrooms on the first floor and a loft above, which served as the residence of the cook or housekeeper.

• Learn more about the Kitchen
• See recipes from Washington's time

Stop Five: The Lower Garden

From the kitchen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall followed the serpentine path to the lower garden. An avid proponent of sustainable living, the Prince of Wales learned that the lower garden, one of two gardens flanking the grassy Bowling Green, has been continuously cultivated for more than 250 years. The garden features a number of beautiful vegetable beds, terraced plots, espaliered pears and apples, and brick walls designed to block the wind. The produce grown at Mount Vernon is not only used at the Mount Vernon Inn, but donated to local food pantries.

• Video: Dean Norton on the Lower Garden
• See the Gardens of Mount Vernon

Stop Six: The Sheep Paddock

Throughout his life, Prince Charles has advocated for the preservation of heritage breeds in the United Kingdom. At Mount Vernon, we too are active in protecting historic breeds familiar to George Washington. At our sheep paddock, Their Royal Highnesses viewed our Hog Island sheep and new spring lambs. Due to the critically low numbers of this particular breed, Mount Vernon has championed their conservation. As a result, our award-winning breeding program has produced a flock of more than 70 sheep.

• Sheep at Mount Vernon
• Animals of Mount Vernon

Stop Seven: The Tomb of Washington

George Washington died in his bedchamber at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799. His last will outlined his desire to be buried at home at Mount Vernon. The new Tomb was completed in 1831, and the bodies of George and Martha Washington, along with other family members in the Old Tomb, were relocated here. 

British royalty has had a long tradition of visiting the Tomb of George and Martha Washington. Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Queen Victoria, visited the Tomb in 1860 with President James Buchanan. The future King Edward VIII in 1919 and King George VI in 1939 also laid wreaths at the Tomb.

• Learn about previous Royal Visits
• Visit Washington's Tomb

Arrival at the Tomb

Receiving the Wreath

Placing the Wreath

Paying Respects at the Tomb

At George Washington's Tomb

At the Tomb

The Prince looks at a tree planted by one of his ancestors.

Meeting Don Francisco

Stop Eight: The Wharf

The majestic Potomac River was a vital part of the estate. Not only did George Washington ship and receive essential goods to and from Mount Vernon, his fisheries caught an enormous amount of herring and shad that not only fed the estate’s large enslaved population but were also sold as an export.

In 1991, Prince Charles’s mother Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the newly restored Mount Vernon wharf.

• Travel to Mount Vernon from Alexandria or DC by boat

Stop Nine: The Farm

George Washington studied and implemented innovative farming methods throughout his life. In fact, Washington would have called himself a farmer before any other title. At our four-acre Farm, one can learn more about George Washington’s role as a visionary farmer. The farm also offers visitors a chance to learn more about the lives of more than one hundred enslaved field workers who put Washington’s advanced agrarian concepts into practice. 

• Visit the Farm
• Learn About Washington the Farmer

Candle Making Demonstration

Walking Towards the Barn

Touching the Oxen Horn

With the Oxen

VIDEO: Plowing the Farm

Stop Ten: The 16-Sided Treading Barn

The last stop on the Prince’s tour was a visit to the 16-sided treading barn. This recreation of Washington’s state-of-the-art wheat treading barn included a demonstration of how horses, running within the circular structure, were used to separate the wheat from the chaff. The barn includes a treading floor located on the second floor of a two-story structure that the horses could access via an earthen ramp.

• Learn more about Washington's invention, the 16-Sided Barn

Walking up the Ramp

Looking into the Barn

Watching the Treading

The 16-Sided Barn

The Horses Run

VIDEO: Wheat Treading at the 16-Sided Barn

Treading Wheat

Meeting the Horses

Wheat Falling to the Lower Level

Visiting the Lower Level

Prince Charles Meets President Obama (AP)

The Prince highlights his visit to Mount Vernon with the President

Plan Your Visit

Follow in the Prince's footsteps or your very own.

Quick Links

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Uk's prince william returns to public duties for first time since kate's cancer diagnosis.

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET NATIONAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Prince William returns to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife’s cancer diagnosis , bolstering the royal family’s ranks as health problems continue to sideline the princess and King Charles III.

William is set to visit a surplus food redistribution center and a youth club it serves, highlighting efforts to reduce food waste as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions and feed people in need. The prince stepped away from public duties after Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced on March 22 that she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

In a video message released that day, Kate asked for “time, space and privacy” as she and her family adjusted to her diagnosis.

“I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said at the time.

“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” she added.

Both Charles and Kate have been largely absent from the public stage since January due to health problems, leaving Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and other members of the royal family to pick up the slack on the whirl of events and awards ceremonies that dominate the work of Britain’s monarchy.

Charles announced on Feb. 5 that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate two weeks earlier. Kate’s diagnosis came after she was hospitalized in late January for unspecified abdominal surgery.

William is set to visit a surplus food distribution charity — Surplus to Supper — in Surrey, southwest of London, where he will lend a hand in the kitchen and help load prepared meals into delivery vans. He will then travel to a youth center in west London that benefits from the food deliveries.

Charles Dickens recorded impressions of Pittsburgh on 1842 visit

TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.

All the Photos of Prince Charles's Royal Visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Prince of Wales is attending the World Holocaust Forum.

Charles is also set to visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories, where he'll be received by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and carry out engagements around Bethlehem.

Here, all the best photos from the Prince of Wales's diplomatic visit.

Charles delivered an address at the World Holocaust Forum, which was held in Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre in Jerusalem. "The lessons of the Holocaust are searingly relevant to this day," he said in his speech . "Seventy-five years after the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart, still tell new lies, adopt new disguises, and still seek new victims."

He also mentioned his grandmother, Princess Alice of Greece , who was posthumously honored for protecting a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of Greece, and has a tree planted in her name at Yad Vashem.

The Prince of Wales spoke with other world leaders and dignitaries at the forum, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke with Charles at the event.

Fellow royals King Philippe of Belgium (left) and King Felipe of Spain (center) met with Charles as well.

Charles visited the Israel Museum, and was joined by the museum's chairman, Issac Molcho, and British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. Here, they are outside the Shrine of the Book, and accompanied by Adolfo Roitman, the shrine's curator.

Charles views the the Dead Sea Scrolls, the world’s oldest biblical manuscripts, in the Shrine of the Book.

Charles also saw the reconstructed Tzedek ve-Shalom Synagogue.

While at the museum, Charles also took the time to speak with Holocaust survivors Marta Wise and George Shefi.

Charles met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the Israeli presidential office in Jerusalem.

The pair sat down to say a few words.

Charles spoke at a reception at Her Majesty's Ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv.

On January 24, Prince Charles visited the Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem.

He then journeyed to Bethlehem, where he visited the Church of the Nativity, the oldest site continuously used as a place of worship for Christians.

Also in Bethlehem, Charles gave a speech at a reception for Palestinian Christians.

Continuing his travels in the West Bank, Charles met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Later in the day, the Prince visited a traditional olive grove and fruit orchard, where he planted an olive sapling.

Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com , where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions ; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve .

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Royal Family News @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

Queen Letizia's Best Looks of All Time

Princess Diana's Belonging Are Heading to Auction

Why Did Andrew Say He Went to a Pizza Express?

All the Tiaras at the Dutch State Dinner

William Is Handed Get Well Cards for Kate

Prince Harry Offers Rare Peek Into His Cali Home

A Rare Interview with a Royal Aide

16 Royal-Loved Menswear Brands to Shop

The Shoe Brands the Royal Family Loves

King Frederik on Børsen Fire: "A Sad Sight"

Princess Märtha Louise to Marry American Shaman

Watch CBS News

Prince Charles Makes Surprise Afghan Visit

March 25, 2010 / 11:33 AM EDT / AP

Updated at 12:48 p.m. ET

Britain's Prince Charles made an unannounced visit Thursday to Afghanistan, where he visited the Taliban-infested southern province where his youngest son, Harry, served for 10 weeks until his secret deployment was leaked to the media.

Charles, wearing military fatigues, recalled how much he worried about Harry when he was in Helmand province and sympathized with the families of other British soldiers serving in the country.

"For the families, I know when my youngest son was out here, as a parent you worry the whole time," Charles told reporters after laying a wreath of paper poppies and white carnations for the fallen at the largest British base in Helmand.

Complete Coverage: Afghanistan

Charles said troops can keep themselves busy in the field, but for the relatives left behind, it's "ghastly."

Britain has lost 276 troops since the war began in 2001, second only to the United States. British soldiers have mainly been tasked with battling the Taliban in Helmand, the center of Afghanistan's illegal narcotics trade that has financed the militant group.

Harry participated in that battle in 2007 and 2008, calling in airstrikes and setting off on foot patrols from an isolated outpost near the war-ravaged village of Garmsir, some 100 miles west of the former Taliban capital of Kandahar.

The prince's secret tour of duty was abruptly aborted after a magazine and Web sites disclosed details of his whereabouts.

More recently, British troops participated in a major operation to retake the Taliban stronghold of Marjah in Helmand — the largest offensive since the U.S. and NATO committed an additional 40,000 troops to Afghanistan at the end of 2009.

Charles expressed his support for British troops during his one-day visit, which was praised by the soldiers.

"I think it is good for the guys who have been on the ground for a full 6 months," said Sgt. Maj. Guy Harris of the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. "It's good that they know there are people who are interested in what they are doing. It is like the welfare parcels they get from back home."

Charles also visited with local leaders in the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, sitting crossed-legged on a cushion as he talked about the situation in Helmand.

More from CBS News

Prince William returns to royal duty nearly 1 month after Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis announcement

Nearly one month after Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis, Prince William has returned to his royal duties.

To kick off the day, the Prince of Whales paid a visit to a food redistribution charity called Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, on Thursday. The organization's mission is to bridge the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. 

While there, William put on an apron and got to work preparing meals while mingling with members of the dedicated staff. 

PRINCESS KATE MIDDLETON UNDERGOING ‘PREVENTATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY’ AFTER CANCER DIGNOSIS: ‘STRONGER EVERY DAY’

On the prince and princess' X page, there were photos shared of his visit. 

"A brilliant model for sustainability, fresh food that would otherwise have gone to waste is redistributed for free to support foodbanks, schools, care homes, shelters, clubs and religious organisations across the local community," the post read.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In another post, William mentioned that Surplus to Supper redistributes "25,000 meals a year across Surrey and West London."

During his visit, the prince was greeted with get-well cards for Catherine and King Charles, who also revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February . 

"Oh some cards, oh, you’re very kind," William is heard telling volunteer Rachel Candappa in a video posted by ITV on X. "Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you." Candappa also told the prince to look after his wife, to which he promised, "I will."

William is also expected to visit a youth center that regularly receives meals from the organization later today. 

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The public outing comes nearly one month after the Kate shared her cancer diagnosis on March 22. 

"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery," Kate said in the video recorded and released last month."It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

She explained that after her abdominal surgery in December, it was believed her condition was "non-cancerous." However, further testing showed "cancer had been present." She was advised to begin chemotherapy by her medical team.

"This, of course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," Middleton said . "As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK."

"As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits," Kate added. "Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."

KATE MIDDLETON, KING CHARLES' CANCER BATTLES FORCE PRINCE WILLIAM AND QUEEN CAMILLA INTO UNLIKELY ALLIANCE

The princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team," a Kensington Palace spokesperson told Fox News Digital at the time. "She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."

Since the announcement, William has remained by his wife's side, as well as their three children. 

Last week, William and his son, Prince George, attended the Aston Villa soccer game in Birmingham, England , marking the first public appearance for the prince in nearly a month. 

Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report. 

Original article source: Prince William returns to royal duty nearly 1 month after Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis announcement

Prince Harry changes residence to US in company filing

Harry and his wife Meghan moved to the U.S. after leaving their royal roles.

Four years after moving to the United States from Britain, Prince Harry , fifth in line to the British throne , has named the U.S. as his official residence.

Harry, 39, listed the United States as his "New Country/State Usually Resident," on documents filed this week with Companies House, a government-run registry of companies in the United Kingdom.

The registration, filed under Harry's full name, "Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex", was updated for Travalyst , the sustainable travel initiative he launched in 2019.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes told ABC News they would not comment on the filing.

The filing lists the date of Harry's residency change as June 29, 2023, the date that Buckingham Palace confirmed Harry and his wife Meghan , the Duchess of Sussex, had officially moved out of Frogmore Cottage , their former home in Windsor.

Harry and Meghan had maintained the home as their U.K. residence after moving to California in 2020 following their decision to step down from their senior royal roles.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to ABC News in March 2023 that Harry and Meghan had been asked to "vacate" the home. Buckingham Palace did not comment on reports that Harry's father King Charles III had made the decision move his son and daughter-in-law out of the home, which is a royal residence.

Editor’s Picks

Prince Harry's visit with King Charles III, absence of Prince William sparks reconciliation questions

Prince Harry loses security court ruling, potentially impacting his visits to UK

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle announce details of 2 new series coming to Netflix

Harry and Meghan have lived full-time in California since 2020, and now live with their two children , Archie and Lilibet, in Montecito, outside of Santa Barbara.

MORE: Prince Harry on visiting King Charles after cancer diagnosis: 'I love my family'

The family of four is known publicly to have made only one trip to the U.K. together -- to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 -- since moving to the U.S.

Harry has returned to the U.K. a handful of times on his own, most recently in February, when he flew back to see Charles , who had just been diagnosed with cancer.

Later in February, Harry told ABC News' Will Reeve that he has considered getting his American citizenship.

"The American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but certainly is not something that is a high priority for me right now," he told Reeve in an interview that aired Feb. 16.

When asked what would stop him from doing so, Harry replied, "I have no idea."

MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan share celebratory kiss after charity polo match

After growing up in the U.K., Harry also said he doesn't know that he feels American yet, but he loves living in the U.S.

"It's amazing," he told Reeve. "I love every single day."

Related Topics

• Harry and Meghan
• Royal Family

Top Stories

Trump hush money trial: Judge sets opening statements for Monday

• Apr 19, 5:15 PM

State law takes US a step closer to popular vote deciding presidential elections

• 4 hours ago

USC cancels all commencement speakers after canceled valedictorian speech

• Apr 19, 10:02 PM

Savannah Chrisley talks about the fate of her parents Todd and Julie

• Apr 19, 6:48 PM

Marijuana grow busted in Maine as feds investigate trend in 20 states

• Apr 21, 1:05 AM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

A look back at the royals in Palm Beach County: When Charles, Diana, Prince Harry visited

Queen elizabeth ii did visit florida, but the royal family had ties to palm beach..

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Palm Beach County on Friday, April 12, and headed to the  Grand Champions Polo Club  in Wellington for the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale .

This is the second time  Harry, 39, has played polo in Wellington . In 2016, a similar Sentebale charity event was held at Valiente Polo Farms.

Harry is a co-founder of  Sentebale, which works with children in Lesotho and Botswana, in southern Africa, impacted by poverty and health issues like HIV. Sentebale means "forget-me-not" in Sesotho, the language of Lesotho.

Harry was part of a panel Thursday, April 11, at Zaytinya, a restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in South Beach, to address health and wealth inequity, and also climate challenges facing youth in Africa.

The royal family always seems to make news, even when they visit the United States.

Here's a look back at when members of the royal family visited Palm Beach County.

2016: Prince Harry plays a charity polo match in Wellington

In 2016, Prince Harry, the younger son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, visited Palm Beach County to play a charity polo match at Valiente Polo Farm in Wellington . 

Queen Elizabeth visits to Florida: Miami wristwatches, crystal palm tree from Tampa among welcome gifts

From the Post archives: Prince Charles bestows royal name, presence to polo club in Florida

1989: Prince of Wales bestows name, presence to polo club north of Palm Beach County

In 1989, the Prince of Wales visited Florida to inaugurate the Windsor Polo and Beach Club. The heir to the British throne lent his presence and his family name — Windsor — to a commercial development owned by friends.

The polo club, 10 miles north of Vero Beach in Indian River County, was the brainchild of Geoffrey and Jorie Kent. He was born in East Africa, she was from Oak Brook, Illinois, and together they owned Abercrombie & Kent, a travel company specializing in expensive trips to exotic places. Geoffrey Kent and the prince had been playing polo together for years and founded the Windsor Park Polo Team in England in 1987.

Following the inauguration of the new club in Vero Beach, Kent and the Prince of Wales played for the Windsor Park Polo Team at the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club in Wellington.

1980: Prince of Wales admitted to hospital in West Palm Beach

In 1980, the Prince of Wales was admitted to what is now Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach  after suffering from heat exhaustion. He had spent a rigorous afternoon on horseback on the polo fields of Wellington in 90-degree heat. He was released the next day, flew to Eleuthera in the Bahamas and returned to Wellington a few days later.

1985: Prince Charles, Princess Diana attend controversial event at The Breakers in Palm Beach

In 1985, Prince Charles brought his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, to Wellington and Palm Beach in a visit marred by controversy over a $5,000-a-head banquet at The Breakers that was to benefit a college in New Mexico.

In a speech at the banquet, the prince chastised critics of the benefit's host, industrialist Armand Hammer. There also was a flap over Patricia Kluge, the ball's co-chair, who resigned after it was revealed that, years earlier, she had posed nude for a British magazine.

The Breakers: Five things you may not know about the Palm Beach luxury resort

1988: Prince Charles visits Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago

Prince Charles returned to Palm Beach County in 1988. He visited Donald Trump's Palm Beach estate, Mar-a-Lago but stayed for two nights in less grandiose surroundings — a horse ranch west of Lake Worth Beach owned by his polo-playing friends Geoffrey and Jorie Kent. There was a wildlife show in Wellington, a luncheon to benefit Friends of the Masai Mara, and a polo match, which, as always, the prince's team won.

Laura Lordi is the digital strategy editor for The Palm Beach Post. Contact Lordi at [email protected] .  Support local journalism. Subscribe today.