THE?Vicar of St Mary’s Priory Church in Abergavenny, Canon Mark Soady this week joined five othe representatives of the Priory at a garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 70th birthday of The Prince of Wales - an event which hit the headlines as the first public appearance of the newly-married Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Prince Charles has been Patron of St Mary’s Priory Development Trust for almost 18 years and has made a number of visits to the church - most recently for the dedication of the new Jesse Window.

Late last year it was announced that the Queen had agreed to the courtyard between the Tithe Barn and the Priory Centre being named ‘The Prince of Wales Courtyard’.

In a speech at the garden party the Duke of Sussex said, “So many of you are here today for this family celebration. I say ‘family’ because this is a chance for us to honour The Prince of Wales’s work over the last forty plus years, with all of his charities, patronages and military associations – and, as you all know, my father views all of your organisations like an extended family.”

Canon Mark Soady said, “We certainly feel that at St Mary’s Priory, the Prince of Wales is not just a figurehead Patron. As Prince Harry said he gets stuck in to the work of the charity nudging one along and campaigning for the charity’s cause.

“It was a real pleasure and honour to be part of today’s celebrations for a man who has given and still gives 100 per cent to the causes he supports.

“I am extremely grateful to him for the interest he has taken in St Mary’s Priory in his years as Patron”.