The Duchess of Edinburgh visits L’Arche London “We are all different. But just because we’re different, it doesn’t mean we don’t all bring something to the party.” - The Duchess of Edinburgh The Duchess of Edinburgh's Power Cuppa Video We were delighted and honoured that The Duchess of Edinburgh chose to visit L’Arche London last week, in her first visit to meet us and find out more about L'Arche. The Duchess has long been committed to supporting people with disabilities, championing both local and national organisations. But the idea for this visit came from a member of L’Arche, Richard Keagan-Bull, who spotted The Duchess dancing at a Mencap event, and decided to send Her Royal Highness a letter to invite her to visit. Some months later, Richard was pleased to receive a reply. And so, on Wednesday morning, a cortege of bikes and cars drew up outside 11 Norwood High Street. Out stepped The Duchess, dressed in an elegant white coat and high-heeled boots. During the visit, Her Royal Highness got the chance to meet all sorts of people from L’Arche. Jack welcomed The Duchess to the Community and showed her around. The Duchess was shown how to make a candle by members of the Craft workshop. Melissa quizzed her about how many castles she owned. And Amy introduced her to the contents of her make-up bag. “I think you’re into sparkles Amy,” the Duchess remarked, pointing out the obvious. “Another lipstick … lots of lipstick … and more sparkles!” The conversation turned to more serious matters too. “We need people like you to fight our case,” Richard told The Duchess, “and keep the voice of people with learning disabilities alive.” The Duchess of Edinburgh received her invitation from Richard Richard talked with The Duchess about his book, Don't Put Us Away. Before thanking her and wishing her a Happy Birthday, he and The Duchess discussed how the environment has improved for people with learning disabilities - as well as all the work still to be done. And she shared her pride for the role played by her children during the late Queen's funeral. The Duchess spoke movingly of why she chose to make supporting people with disabilities a core focus of her work as a member of the Royal Family. She described how her previous work in PR had made her aware of people, such as those with learning disabilities, who might be less adept at giving a polished presentation of themselves, and how people's differences should be celebrated. “I would hope that in more recent years the environment is different for people with learning disabilities,” The Duchess said, “but I know there’s still so much to be done. Certainly, through my work with all kinds of physical disabilities and learning difficulties, it’s been educating for me, it’s been mostly utterly joyous. I never know what to expect, I never know who I’m going to meet and I never know what I’m going to learn.” Watch the video The visit ended with everyone singing Happy Birthday to Her Royal Highness, ahead of her birthday, and to our very own Sunta, who was also celebrating her birthday last week too. Plus a slice of homemade cake baked with lavender from the L’Arche garden. L’Arche’s National Leader, John Casson, who helped Richard host the visit, reflected afterwards, “People with learning disabilities so often feel invisible. The fact that The Duchess of Edinburgh responded to Richard’s invitation, and came to visit L’Arche, made us feel seen and heard. Her Royal Highness is a kindred spirit.” Jack Ridgman welcomed The Duchess to L'Arche and showed her around the Community site in Norwood High Street. Amy Catton and The Duchess compared jewellery, although Her Royal Highness was not persuaded to part with any rings. Melissa and The Duchess shared a joke about her turning sixty, during a candle-making workshop, watched on by volunteer Richard. *Pictures by Toby Matthews Manage Cookie Preferences