RTS Welcomes Royal Visit

On 31 January 2018, the Royal Television Society (RTS) welcomed Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to an event at ITV's South Bank studios, celebrating 90 years of the RTS.

During the event, Their Royal Highnesses met the presenters of Good Morning Britain, Lorraine and Loose Women and toured the This Morning television studio. As 2018 also marks This Morning's 30th anniversary, Their Royal Highnesses were introduced to presenters Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Eamonn Holmes OBE and Ruth Langsford, as well as the production team and the show's medical assistance dogs in training.

After the studio tour, Their Royal Highnesses attended a reception to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Royal Television Society. The Prince of Wales has been Patron of the society for 21 years and met young people who have benefitted from the RTS bursary scheme which he launched in 2013.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales was also presented with the RTS Gold Medal by Tom Mockridge, Chair of the RTS. The RTS Gold Medal is the most prestigious Award that the Society can bestow, and was presented in recognition of His Royal Highness' continued support of the Society on the occasion of its 90th anniversary. The event concluded with Their Royal Highnesses cutting a cake.

"We are honoured to have welcomed Their Royal Highnesses to help us celebrate the RTS' 90th anniversary," said Theresa Wise, CEO, Royal Television Society. "From our small beginnings at the advent of television, we have sought to encourage, celebrate and educate on all aspects of television. Today we have over 4,500 active members and 14 regional and national groups; we offer annual bursary schemes to help young people from less affluent backgrounds to enter the industry; we organise a raft of awards to celebrate excellence in production, craft and design, journalism and young talent; and we present numerous conferences and debates each year that help to shape this fast-evolving industry. In our 90th year it is wonderful to take a moment to look back, but it is even more exciting to envisage where the industry is going – and how RTS will be part of it."

Image credit: Paul Hampartsoumian/RTS. His Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales meeting young people who have benefitted from the RTS bursary scheme which he launched in 2013.

(JP)