A birthday tribute to the Duchess of Kent

Today marks the 90th Birthday of the Duchess of Kent, someone who Nick Robinson StB’75 has got to know rather well over the years as in 2004 they set up and have subsequently run the charity Future Talent together.

Having left Worth as a student, Nick returned in 1986 to spend 12 years as a teacher and housemaster, finally leaving to become Head Master at King’s College School in Cambridge. It was during his time there that he met the Duchess who shared his love of music. They went on to form a music charity that gives support and master classes, runs ensemble days and workshops and contributes to the cost of instruments for under-privileged children aged 6-18. From small beginnings they now support 100 musical children across the country. 

As a tribute to the Duchess on the occasion of her special birthday, Nick is quoted in various national newspapers, this month’s Majesty magazine, and has been interviewed by Royal Biographer, Hugo Vickers, in The Oldie.

Nick told us," Apart from the King and Prince Philip’s Award Scheme, the Duchess is the only senior member of the Royal Family to have set up her own charity. It has been a real privilege and a great pleasure to work closely with her for the last 20 years. Her passion for music and her strong desire to help and encourage children from low-income families is deeply inspiring. Her vision to found Future Talent was based on years of experience in east Hull where she had been teaching music in a primary school on the Wansbeck estate".

As he told the national press, “On behalf of the trustees, I send Katharine all our love and very best wishes for a happy birthday. Your passion for music and helping young people has touched so many lives over the years and you are an inspiration – thank you.” We join him in sending the Duchess our own birthday wishes!

For more information about Future Talent go to futuretalent.org