Duke of York spent the day in Wollongong

The Duke of York is in Australia for his Pitch at Palace programme. After visiting the Gold Coast, the location for next year’s Commonwealth Games, where he met volunteers and revealed that members of the Royal Family will be visiting the coast next year, His Royal Highness spent Tuesday in Wollongong.

The University of Wollongong hosted a training event for the Australian entrepreneurs selected for their innovative ideas.

The Duke had high praise for these business owners. He told the assembled crowd at a civic reception before the start of the event: “I have to say that I have been really, really impressed with what I have seen.

“It is a great pleasure to bring those entrepreneurs here to Wollongong University today where we will give them as much encouragement as we can.”

Gordon Bradbery, Lord Mayor of Wollongong injected humour and lighthearted banter as he welcomed the Prince to his city. “No disrespect intended, but Andy welcome to the city of Wollongong, have a great time mate and give our regards to your mum,” he laughed.

The Lord Mayor was rescued by the Duke when he lost his way at the reception; he presented His Royal Highness with a framed photo of a lighthouse in Wollongong.

The Duke described Wollongong as being at the grassroots for the economy. He challenged those who are unemployed to start their own businesses, saying: “And there are lots and lots of people – universities, governments, city councils around the country, who are enabling that activity to take place. Take up the challenge – start your own business.”

Wednesday will see the Duke of York in Sydney visiting the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation. The finals for the Pitch at Palace National Finals are to be hosted at Government House and will be followed by a reception on Thursday at the SCG.