Duchess begins role by visiting The Wondercrump World exhibition at London’s Southbank.
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has been named as the patron of Roald Dahl 100 – the year-long celebration to mark 100 years since the birth of the author.
The Duchess began her new role with a visit to London’s Southbank Centre, which has just launched The Wondercrump World of Roald Dahl.
The interactive experience has been created in partnership with the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, and features archival treasures from The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden.
Her Royal Highness had a special tour of the Wondercrump experience, in the company of Felicity Dahl (Roald Dahl’s wife); Luke Kelly (md of Roald Dahl’s Literary Estate and Roald’s grandson); Willy Wonka (Jonathan Slinger, who plays the character in the West End musical of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory); and a number of ‘Mini Festival Makers’ who help curate the Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival.
The Duchess also joined Miss Honey – actress Charlotte Scott from Matilda the Musical – on the stage of the Clore Ballroom to read a chapter from The BFG to an audience of children.
Luke Kelly, md of Roald Dahl’s Literary Estate, said: “We are absolutely delighted – or hopscotchy as The BFG might say – that Her Royal Highness has agreed to be Patron of the Roald Dahl 100 celebrations this year.
“With the Duchess having such a deep interest in literacy herself, we share a common goal: getting as many children as possible to be inspired by reading. The Roald Dahl 100 year has got off to a fantastic start with this glorious exhibition, but be prepared for many more surprises and treats along the way.”
(Photo credit: Victor Frankowski)
