Prince Charles visits Shakespeare's grave

Prince Charles paid his respects to the world’s greatest playwright at Stratford’s Holy Trinity Church today a wreath on the Bard’s grave.

Hundreds gathered outside the entrance of the Church in eager anticipation of the Prince’s arrival.

Prince Charles briefly shook hands with onlookers before being led through the crowd to the entrance of the church.

Once inside he talked to a select group of local school children and laughed and joked with church staff before being led to the chancel.

The Prince was told about the fundraising efforts of the Friends of Holy Trinity Church group before two makers of a recent Channel 4 documentary about Shakespeare’s grave, talked to him about their findings.

In a tribute to Shakespeare, the Prince then laid a rosemary wreath on his grave before Rev Taylor led those in attendance in a prayer.

During his visit the Prince took time to admire the recent restoration St Peter’s Chapel and spoke to Reg and Margaret Sweet, who were married in the chapel 60 years ago.

He was then treated to a performance of a piece of music composed especially for the occasion by Benedict Wilson, director of music at Holy Trinity, and sung by the choir.

Just before leaving the building he was shown the around the new South Side Extension at Holy Trinity and complemented the work.

As he made his way to the Royal car he stopped to chat with more onlookers amid shouts of “Charles you are a legend” from some.

Rev Patrick Taylor said: “I was a bit apprehensive at first, I’ve never done a Royal visit before, but it all seemed to go very well.”

See Thursday’s Stratford-upon-Avon Herald for a special pullout featuring a full report and pictures of Prince Charles’ visit to to Stratford and other events during the weekend.