Prince Edward appeared in the north-east this weekend for a special visit as he got the Haddo Arts Festival under way.
The Royal appeared in Haddo House on Saturday to kick-start the a six-day celebration of classical music, jazz, art, drama, literature and comedy.
After paying a visit to the exhibition of the paintings of John Paul Raine he attended the opening concert which featured the Choral Society giving a performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C.
He opened the festival three years ago and was happy to be back again and encouraged people to get involved.
He said: “It is particularly gratifying to see this festival on the one hand growing in stature and confidence each year in terms of its programme and on the other developing a loyalty among its audience, sponsors and partners.
“From the opening concert given by the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society which, remarkably, is enjoying its 70th season, to the finale with Scottish Opera there are six days of wonderful entertainment from a variety of established as well as up-and-coming names.
“I would encourage you to trust the director’s choice and try at least two events, one of which is unknown to you.”
