His Majesty King Charles III visited the Goldsmiths’ Centre on Wednesday 23 November to celebrate the Centre’s 10-year anniversary. He met young people on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Foundation and Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship programmes, and some of the beneficiaries of their silversmithing and charitable communities. His Majesty learnt about their work, silversmithing, training, education and skills transfer, as well as hallmarking.

The King also hallmarked, with the King’s Mark, a silver Processional Cross for the Church in Wales.  Deputy General Manager Adam Phillips provided guidance.    The Processional Cross for the Church in Wales was commissioned by The Goldsmiths’ Company on behalf of The former Prince of Wales (now The King). The commission (details below) is a gift from The King to the Church in Wales. It has been created by silversmith and master craftsman Michael Lloyd (who attended the visit) using the traditional silversmithing skills being taught to many of the young people who met The King.

To coincide with The King’s visit, Prime Warden (Chairman-equivalent) of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Lord (Mark) Bridges, announced that its Charity was launching a £10m Goldsmiths’ Landmark Grants Programme. The programme would focus primarily on supporting charitable and educational partners to deliver vocational and technical skills training to people in the UK.

King Charles III hallmarking the King's Mark on a silver Processional Cross for the Church of Wales (c) Photographer - Julia Skupny