HRH The Princess Royal visits Bullingdon Prison

As Patron of the Butler Trust since 1985, The Princess Royal visited Bullingdon Prison as part of Hidden Heroes Day.  Implemented to celebrate and give thanks to those who work in prisons, IRCs, probation and youth justice services especially during the Covid-19 outbreak, the Butler Trust hosted an event to mark the day and prisons, probation offices and youth justice services around the country held local events of their own.

HRH was met on arrival by Tim Stevenson.  She was introduced to Malcolm Butler, the Chairman of The Butler Trust and  Simon Shepherd, the Director of The Butler Trust before being escorted by Laura Sapwell, the Governor of the Prison to the Virtual Conference Centre.  Here HRH had the opportunity to speak to members of staff and to hear about how virtual hearings have been held during the pandemic.  HRH then moved on to one of the prison wings where she met with more staff and the Chief Executive of HM Prison and Probation Service, Jo Farrar.

HRH viewed a red London bus decorated with the message “Thank you Hidden Heroes” and met some prison search dogs and their handlers.  Members of staff were present, appropriately socially distanced, to hear HRH speak to mark Hidden Heroes Day and the 35th Anniversary of The Butler Trust before unveiling a plaque to commemorate her visit and a print to celebrate The Butler Trust’s 35th Anniversary, a copy of which has been sent to every prison in the country.