Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Visits George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited George Washington's Mount Vernon on Thursday, October 1, as part of an official visit to the United States marking the nation's 250th anniversary.

The Duke, the youngest child of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip and younger brother of King Charles III, was accompanied throughout the visit by His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner.

The visit marked a return to Mount Vernon for Prince Edward, who previously visited the historic estate in 2001 when he held the title Earl of Wessex.

The visit began at Mount Vernon's new Education Center, where the Duke viewed exhibits and Revolutionary War artifacts. During the tour, Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn showed the Duke George Washington's Book of Common Prayer, in which Washington had crossed out a prayer for the King and Queen-an interesting reminder of the history between the United States and British Crown.

The group then traveled to George Washington's Mansion, overlooking the Potomac River, before continuing to a recreated Continental Army encampment. There, the Duke watched a fife and drum performance featuring music representative of the Revolutionary War period - providing a bit of historical irony as a member of the British Royal Family watched a demonstration representing the army that fought for independence from Britain.

The Duke then visited George Washington's Tomb, where he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the nation's first president. After placing the wreath, his Royal Highness paused for a moment of silence before departing the tomb.

The visit concluded at the George Washington Presidential Library, where Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, Executive Director of the Library, provided the Duke with a tour. The library is normally not open for public tours and is primarily available to researchers by appointment.

While at the library, the Duke also participated in a presentation and tasting of Mount Vernon's limited-edition bourbon, produced from the estate's reconstructed distillery. Jeremy Ray, Mount Vernon's Manager of History Interpretation, led the presentation.

The visit was part of a broader North American trip by the Duke highlighting the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and United States and recognizing America's 250th anniversary.

Following his Mount Vernon visit, Prince Edward returned to Washington, D.C., where, in his role as Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, he hosted a reception at the British Ambassador's Residence recognizing young people who achieved the Gold Standard in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

Thursday's visit also continued a long history of British Royal Family visits to Mount Vernon. Members of the Royal Family have visited the estate for more than a century, including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and King Charles III, who visited Mount Vernon as Prince of Wales.

Beyond the Royal visit, Mount Vernon offers visitors an opportunity to explore the home and grounds of America's first president, including the Mansion, museum and Education Center, gardens, tombs, working farm, reconstructed distillery and gristmill. The estate's location overlooking the Potomac River also provides one of the most recognizable views associated with Washington's historic home.

Photo Credits: Travis Cowger | Take The Shot Sports Photography