Page 62 - Phonebox Magazine July 2014

A Royal in Buckinghamshire
Duchess of Cambridge visits Bletchley Park
Mischa Allen
Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, at Bletchley Park
On a sunny, breezy day in June, a small site in Buckinghamshire became a hive of excited activity. Social media sites were alive with chatter – a Royal was in Bletchley. Visiting the newly restored site of the secretive Second World War code breakers, the Duchess of Cambridge made headline news once more.
Chatting with Bletchley Park veterans and shaking hands with Buckinghamshire’s representatives (including new Mayor of Milton Keynes, Subhan Shafiq), she explored the historical site that has been rescued from decay.
It was the CEO of the Bletchley Park Trust, Ian Standen, who showed the 32-year-old round on the day. She toured the site, spoke to representatives and listened to recordings of radio intercepts. “She was very engaged with us and understood what Bletchley Park was all about. We were pleased to have the veterans there and it was nice for her to chat to them,” explained Ian.
“It was hugely successful and it was great for her to launch Bletchley Park’s transformation. It was made even better by her family connection, and we were honoured for her to visit us.”
Talking to local children at Bletchley Park
Ian Standen showing the Duchess Listening to recordings of of Cambridge the grounds radio interceptions
The Duchess spoke to Lady Body in the newly restored Hut 6, which is where she veteran worked with the Royal’s grandmother Valerie, along with her twin sister Mary. The hut itself has been transformed as part of the £8 million restoration project.
Ian added: “Bletchley Park has been a secret for so long and hopefully her visit will encourage the public to explore it.”
Bletchley Park is one of Buckinghamshire’s most significant heritage sites, and it’s estimated the work that took place there shortened the Second World War by a unbelievable two years. For Ian said: “When I talk to people from the local area and Milton Keynes, they are proud of Bletchley Park and they are proud of what happened there.”
For more information, go to bletchleypark.org.uk.
The Duchess of Cambridge walking with CEO Ian Standen
62 Phonebox Magazine