HRH The Princess Royal celebrated her appointment as patron for Foundation for FutureLondon with a visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park today to discuss the Olympicopolis project.
Princess Anne met with Newham school children, cultural organisations and Olympicopolis architects, Allies & Morrison, before making a speech to a room full of people at the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
She was welcomed to the Park by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Mr Kenneth Olisa OBE, and Sir William Castell, LVO, Chairman of the Foundation for FutureLondon.
Sir William Castell said: “We are delighted to be working with Her Royal Highness to deliver the fullest Olympic legacy ever achieved.”
Princes Anne, who helped London to secure and stage the 2012 Olympic Games, also gave a speech referencing her gratitude to the Olympic partners involved for their “long-term vision” in bringing economic and social benefits to the Stratford area.
She said: “To see the transformation of this area is land is pretty exciting stuff.
“Part of the commitment was knowing there was a long-term working plan here.”
During her visit, the Princess Royal met with school children to hear their ideas about Stratford Waterfront, which will house a new campus for the University of the Arts London, plus spaces for the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Sadler’s Wells.
Gainsborough Primary School pupils, whose ideas for the waterfront will be considered in the final planning application, passed on their suggestions to Her Royal Highness. They included using street artists and building a stage for school choirs.
Year Five student Mia, aged 10, said: “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She {Princess Anne) will give us a chance to to make this happen.”
During the event, Young Poet Laureate for London 2014–2015 Aisling Fahey, 22, presented a physical copy of her poem The Rhythm of Work to the Royal Highness.
The audience also enjoyed a poetic dance performance by artists Nat Nye, Valerie Ebuwa and Louis Ducasse.
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