There was a solemn atmosphere in Leicester on Wednesday as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the city to pay tribute to the victims of last month’s tragic helicopter crash at the city’s King Power Stadium last month.
The Duke, who is President of the Football Association, was a friend of the club’s chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was among the five people who died in the crash.
Both the Duke and Duchess visited the city as they wanted to recognise the warmth and compassion that the people of Leicester and fans of Leicester City Football Club have shown in reaction to the accident.
William & Catherine began the day by visiting the tribute site near the stadium to pay their respects to those killed in the accident.
Their Royal Highnesses were greeted at the scene by Mr Srivaddhanaprabha’s widow, son and daughter.
They also met a group of players and members of the Club’s management team. Players who were introduced to the royal couple included Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire, alongside Manager Claude Puel.
Volunteers and club supporters who helped to relocate the thousands of tributes which were left outside the front of the stadium to the tribute site were also introduced to the couple.
Afterwards, Their Royal Highnesses entered the King Power Stadium itself where they met with representatives from local charities who were supported by the late chairman.
Before they departed the stadium, Their Royal Highnesses stood in the Director’s Box to view the pitch alongside the late Chairman’s son.
Later on in the day, William & Catherine visited the University of Leicester where they heard about some of the educational programmes that Leicester City Football Club has helped to support.
Here, the royal couple met staff and students involved in the Leicester City Science Stars programme, which uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and engage with science.
Their Royal Highnesses also met a group of University of Leicester students selected for their significant civic contributions, community leadership and volunteering programmes.
(C) Charlie Proctor/Royal Central
The visit ended with the royal couple meeting with members of the waiting crowd in the University’s newly opened Centenary Square.
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle CBE said: “Today was a historic day for the University of Leicester. We are very proud of our close relationship with Leicester City Football Club and it was our privilege to share with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge the many ways we are continuing to honour Vichai’s legacy.
“Today will be a day our students and staff will never forget, especially those who got to speak to Their Royal Highnesses about their experiences at the University.”
