This column is written for the Stray Ferret by the Chair of The Royal Hall Restoration Trust, Russell M Davidson. 

There is huge national grief at the passing of a much loved Queen, yet as the mourning period gradually passes, thoughts will increasingly turn to her successor.

The Royal Hall Restoration Trust has been privileged to have the new King, in his capacity of Prince of Wales, as its patron for some fifteen years. I had twice met the Prince before I got involved in the trust, but those meetings were at formal events and while he was affable and friendly, I had no knowledge about Charles beyond the ups and downs one reads in the press, including the negative stuff following the death of Diana.

It was not until I met Charles again, with my predecessor, the late Lilian Mina, at the 2008 reopening of the refurbished Royal Hall that I first saw the kindness of the man. Lilian was gravely ill and had difficulty standing and walking, yet the Prince never left her side, helping her up and down stairs, while constantly letting her hold onto his arm for support. I succeeded as Chair of the trust after Lilian’s death and the trustees set about a range of further projects. I discovered the close personal interest Charles takes in those charities he is involved with.

It is not just a case of having a grand name on the notepaper - in contrast, regular contact is maintained with each charity via the private secretaries. The relationship is very much a ‘How can we help you?’ one. When the trust needed assistance developing a future project for the rear of the Royal Hall, we sent our initial designs to the Prince and were immediately invited to visit his architectural foundation in London. We discovered an impressive set-up, housing a school training young woodworkers and designers (beautiful examples of work on display) and were greeted by a friendly American architect who had led the scheme to restore Dumfries House and who provided further expert help without charge. I learned from him that Charles personally, and regularly, reviews the work undertaken by each of his charities and draws on his extensive contacts to find ways of making useful introductions to assist.

He must work incredibly hard, for our trust is only one of many that he is patron of.  We learned that the drawings and letters we sent, via the private secretaries, were actually looked at and discussed by him. Suggestions as to how to alter the presumably not so liked aspects of our designs were made so very tactfully too! And when we have asked for a visit to help with fundraising, there have always been efforts to find a diary slot, difficult though his schedule makes that. We have never had a ‘no’.

It is evident the new King cares passionately about our country, its community and the environment, both built and natural. I am confident, based on my personal experience of dealing with him as patron, that Charles will prove to be a good and kindly King.

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