Prince Charles visited Winchester, three weeks after he was due to unveil a statue in the city.

The Prince of Wales had to cancel his appearance on February 10 because he tested positive for Covid.

Hampshire Chronicle: Prince Charles waving to the crowd

Today he delighted the crowds gathered outside The Arc, in Jewry Street, as he saw the statue of Licoricia for himself and officially opened the renovated library.

The plaque on the bottom of the statue, made it clear that the statue had been unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.

Hampshire Chronicle: Prince Charles greeting the crowd

School children from Park Community School in Havant me the prince.

Barney Pycroft, teacher, at the school, said: "The last time the children were really excited to be a part of the event. They were really disappointed that Prince Charles couldn't come, but they still enjoyed the event. It's great they are engaged in the learning they are doing in the classroom."

READ MORE: Prince Charles in Winchester

Hampshire Chronicle: Prince Charles meeting pupils from St Bede School

The crowd on Jewry Street were holding the flag of Ukraine and the flag showing the Queen's platinum jubilee emblem.

Oliver Rule, Kings Worthy Primary School teacher, said: "It has been really exciting. the children have been so excited all week.

"The prince asked the children how the half term was. He asked if St Bede and King Worthy schools were rivals!

"Our school council was here, so it was a mix between year two and year six."

Hampshire Chronicle: Prince Charles and Nigel Atkinson, photo: Andrew Matthews PA Wire

Ian Rank-Broadley, Licoricia's sculptor, said: "It's an enormous pleasure to see Prince Charles, he's an incredibly busy man. Normally if something is cancelled, his diary is so full that it's very difficult to get him a second time, so I take that as a great favour for Winchester.

"He was extremely complimentary of the statue."

Hampshire Chronicle: Prince Charles visits The Arc Winchester (formerly Winchester Discovery Centre), Where the Prince viewed the new statue of Licoricia of Winchester and officially open The Arc. The Prince was due to unveil the statue last month but was forced to cancel

When Prince Charles left Winchester, his private secretaries’ car broken down so, the Lord Lieutenant gave him his.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.

Kimberley Barber