A cornerstone community estate with Royal links has paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Dumfries House, in East Ayrshire’s Cumnock, have shared their 'deep sadness' of The Queen’s passing, adding that many will have fond memories of her visit to the estate in 2014.
In July of that year, The Queen officially opened The Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden on the estate and was joined by her late husband HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, King Charles III and Queen Consort.
This is understood to have been the Queen's last ever visit to Ayrshire.
In front of a 1,300 strong crowd, Her Majesty officially declared the garden open by unveiling an engraved sundial.
She gave a heartfelt speech recognising the efforts of the community and her son King Charles III’s educational charity, The Prince’s Foundation, and the work they do on the estate.
Dumfries House was saved for the nation in 2007 by His Majesty King Charles III, who led a pool of charities to secure the future of the Palladian country house and estate and use it to benefit the community.
It now operates as a tourist attraction and education hub, where The Prince’s Foundation offer a diverse range of training programmes to all ages and backgrounds, including architecture and design, science, engineering, horticulture, wellbeing and hospitality.
King Charles III and the Queen Consort were seen leaving Dumfries House for Balmoral on Thursday to be by the Queen’s side, as news of the Monarch’s health became a concern.
Dame Sue Bruce, chair of the board of trustees of The Prince’s Foundation, said: “Everyone at The Prince’s Foundation, including staff across Dumfries House estate, was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with His Majesty The King Charles and members of the Royal Family at this time.
“Many members and friends of The Prince’s Foundation will retain fond memories of Her Majesty’s visit to the Dumfries House estate, our charity’s headquarters, eight years ago.
“In July 2014, she officially opened The Queen Elizabeth II Walled Garden, when she recognised in her speech the monumental effort by charity staff and the many members of the local community who are involved in the work of The Prince’s Foundation.”
The Prince’s Foundation, headquartered at Dumfries House, formed in 2018 as a result of the consolidation of Dumfries House Trust and other charities.
The Prince’s Foundation have shared a book of condolences on their website. To sign, click here.
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