His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales visited Homerton on Tuesday, 23 November, in a celebration of the College’s vision to welcome and support students from all ethnic and social backgrounds, and to gain an understanding of the Black experience at Cambridge.
The visit came at the personal invitation of the Principal, Lord Woolley of Woodford. Lord Woolley has previously collaborated with The Prince’s Trust on addressing disadvantage among minority ethnic groups.
His Royal Highness attended a private discussion of Black students’ experience at Cambridge with the Principal, admissions staff, students and alumni. Students from BAME backgrounds made up 35% of Homerton's intake last year, and the College works hard to ensure that students of all ethnicities and social backgrounds feel welcomed and able to call Homerton home.
He also met directors and participants of Homerton’s unique co-curricular Changemakers programme, from whom he heard of its capacity to change lives through applying interdisciplinary skills to real-world situations.
His Royal Highness was introduced to staff and Fellows who have supported students through the pandemic, who described the College's focus on student wellbeing.
Unveiling a plaque, His Royal Highness said:
"It really is inspiring to hear of all the initiatives that are taking place, such as the Changemakers who are being prepared to provide the selfless, visionary leadership that we so desperately need. For our society to meet successfully the huge challenges before us, we will need all our talents and all our contributions...so I simply want to congratulate Lord Woolley for the leadership he is showing, and to wish him and all of you the greatest success as you seek to build a society which works for all our people."
Lord Woolley said:
“I am personally honoured that His Royal Highness is excited about what we’re doing here at Homerton at this stage in our history, which is to be a beacon both of academic excellence and of teeming diversity.”