The Duke of Edinburgh takes a keen interest in the arts and is Patron of a range of organisations that aim to widen opportunities within the sector. His Royal Highness formerly worked in theatre and television production, before becoming a full-time working member of the Royal Family in 2002.
His Royal Highness’ arts patronages include the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, London Mozart Players, Northern Ballet, National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, National Youth Orchestras of Scotland, The Orpheus Centre Trust and the Production Guild of Great Britain.
In October 2022, The Duke became Patron of Reading Rep Theatre, a leading theatre and cultural hub in Berkshire. Reading Rep is a community-led theatre whose outreach programme ENGAGE provides access to the arts for Reading’s most vulnerable communities. The theatre runs a year-round programme of workshops that have supported 15,000 children, young people and adults in the last 18 months.
On becoming Reading Rep’s Patron, His Royal Highness said:
Reading Rep is rapidly becoming an essential part of the arts scene in Reading for three really good reasons. It is creating pathways to the performing arts for young people, regardless of background; it is introducing new audiences to the performing arts through its outreach and access activities; and it is a space providing an alternative venue for creative and production talents to hone their skills. I look forward to helping with reinforcing this theatre’s inspiring work in the local community and to supporting its future endeavours.
