The Earl of Wessex began his visit to Burnham-On-Sea on Monday (June 9th) with an unscheduled walk-about, meeting residents who were standing on The Esplanade awaiting his arrival
Residents were surprised to get the chance to meet the Prince moments after his arrival on the seafront
He chatted with some of the spectators who had gathered to watch the arrival
Pupils from Burnham’s St Andrew’s School welcomed the Prince with loud cheers
Over 70 children waved union jacks as he began his 40-minute visit
The Prince walked a short way along the seafront to meet the youngsters
A colourful flurry of flags met the Prince as he arrived in Burnham on Monday
The Prince was formally welcomed by Brigadier Thomas Lang, Deputy Lieutenant for Somerset
Burnham and Highbhridge Mayor Martin Cox and Mayoress Arelene Cox met the Prince, followed by Burnham’s MP Tessa Munt
The Prince entered the BARB station where he was welcomed by BARB President Neville Jones and his wife Margo
BARB Operations Manager Mike Lowe with the Earl during Monday’s visit
Prince Edward talking with BARB Chairman Mark Newman
The Prince moved on to meet BARB Secretary Roger Flower and Treasurer Mike Ross
Prince Edward met BARB’s crewmembers, asking them about their work
After signing the visitor book, the Prince heard about plans to extend BARB’s seafront station with a new second-floor training area
The Prince meeting young Harry during Monday’s special event
Both James and Harry presented gifts to The Prince during the visit
The Prince then moved on to focus on BARB’s work in the recent floods on the Somerset Levels, meeting several of the crew who helped in Moorland and Muchelney
Prince Edward also met Burnham RNLI’s Martin Cooper and Phil Counsell
Burnham’s MP Tessa Munt was among the dignitaries invited along to the visit
After a short walk onto the seafront, the Prince unveiled a new information plaque on the sea wall with Cllr Neville Jones, Margo Jones and Mayor Martin Cox
The Prince finished his visit with Mike Lowe and Mark Newman on the jetty watching a training session with BARB’s Spirit of Lelaina hovercraft
The BARB hovercraft in action on Burnham beach on Monday (pics Mike Lang)
