Prince Charles and Camilla visit house mill in Bow and unveil Olympic barge
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall came to the East End today to unveil an Olympic barge moored near the world’s oldest tidal mill in Bow before visiting the Olympic Park.
Prince Charles and Camilla were whisked through a small door opening of the 18th century House Mill after arriving at Three Mills Island by Royal car.
Inside they were given a tour of the old machinery by mill trustee Beverley Charters and chair of trustees John Haggerty.
Prince Charles enquired about funding needed for plans to get some of the old wheels inside the mill working again.
If these were to start working again, they would be capable of generating enough power from the surrounding waterways to power the mill and 40 homes nearby.
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The trust has been offered over �2million from the Lottery if they can match the amount by November. But Ms Charters told the Prince they are struggling to raise the funds.
She said afterwards: “It was really lovely he showed such an interest. He said old places like this coming alive is what I love.”
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The Royal couple were also taken to the Three Mills Studios where the Olympics ceremonies teams are based. Away from the press they were given a sneak preview of costumes for the ceremonies as they met staff, volunteers and performers.
Afterwards Prince Charles unveiled the name of a barge moored outside as Usain Boat.
Later, another Olympic barge named Mulberry Express was due to be unveiled by adventurer and TV presenter Ben Fogel, after Basma Akouiz, 14, from Mulberry School for Girls in Whitechapel won a competition to name it.
The royal couple were ferried to the Olympic Park where among others they met representatives from the charity Bikeworks in Bethnal Green which provides cycle training for people of all abilities.
