“Everyone at Lighthouse is deeply saddened by the news,” says Chief Executive Elspeth McBain.  

“Prince Philip was a firm supporter of the arts through his encouragement of his son the Earl of Wessex in his long-standing patronage of the sector and we join with HM The Queen and her most loyal subjects in expressing our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.” 

Having opened as Poole Arts Centre in April 1978, the building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 23 March 1979 during a visit to Poole with Prince Philip. The royal couple arrived in Dorset in the early hours of the morning by train and rested in sidings west of Wareham before travelling on to Poole where they arrived at 10am in glorious sunshine. Crowds lined the streets as they were taken by car from the station to Poole Arts Centre where four trumpets sounded a fanfare as they drew up.  

Noticing the Whitecliff Bar opened at 10.30am, the Duke of Edinburgh said: “Don’t let us interfere with your refreshments, just carry on!” They listened to Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra rehearse with conductor Arthur Davison before being driven to Poole Quay to visit Poole Pottery. 

The Queen and Prince Philip returned on 28 July 2004, arriving by helicopter at King’s Park in Bournemouth where they were greeted by a crowd of 5,000. They visited the newly renamed Lighthouse to officially reopen the building following its major refurbishment before touring the new RNLI training college.  

Afterwards, thousands watched as the royal couple left by lifeboat from Poole Quay.