Royal Visitor Explores Welcoming Centre for Learning Disabilities
The Duchess of Edinburgh visits L’Arche, a centre supporting those with learning disabilities in Norwood, celebrating community and connection
Norwood, UK, Learning Disabilities, Duchess of Edinburgh, L’Arche
Norwood: The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, is gearing up for her 60th birthday and decided to visit L’Arche, a centre dedicated to helping people with learning disabilities.
This place isn’t just about activities; it’s a real community hub. They offer workshops and support for folks with learning disabilities, both at the centre and at home in West Norwood.
Richard Keagan-Bull, a member of L’Arche, invited her after seeing her dance with people with disabilities at a charity event online. He’s a big fan of the Royal Family and thought it would be awesome for her to visit.
So, he wrote her a letter about a year ago, and to his surprise, he got a reply just before Christmas saying she’d come by on Wednesday. And she did!
During her visit, The Duchess learned how to make candles in a craft workshop and shared a cup of tea with the community members. They chatted about everything, from her jewelry to her thoughts on Jenny Agutter in Call the Midwife—turns out she’s a fan!
Richard even gifted her a copy of his book, which talks about the ups and downs of living with a learning disability. They had a great conversation about how these individuals make the world a brighter place.
L’Arche is a global movement that connects people with and without disabilities, creating supportive communities. They help around 300 adults across 11 sites in the UK and have over 150 communities in 37 countries.
At the end of the visit, everyone sang Happy Birthday to The Duchess, who shares her special week with Sunta Costa, a member of L’Arche celebrating her 68th birthday.
This visit wrapped up L’Arche’s Jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years since they opened their first UK community in Kent.
Pictured top: Richard Keagan-Bull with the Duchess (Picture: L’Arche)