Royal Roots

To celebrate the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Littlehampton Town Council is pleased to announce that two new trees, have been planted in the Town. Ably assisted by local schoolchildren, named Harry and Meghan, Mayor of Littlehampton Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper and Deputy Town Mayor Councillor Tracey Baker, planted two trees in the gardens adjacent to the Manor House on 16th October.  Acknowledging Prince Harry’s and Meghan’s marriage and new title linking the Royal couple to Sussex, the trees are a native British ‘alder’ tree and a native American ‘red oak.’

Present were children from St Catherine’s Catholic Primary School, River Beach Primary School, Lyminster Primary School and White Meadows Primary Academy and there was much excitement all around as the planting took place the day after Kensington Palace had announced the Royal couple is expecting their first baby in Spring 2019. After planting the trees, the children and accompanying school staff were invited back to the Mayor’s Parlour where refreshments were served, and the children were presented with commemorative key rings.

Speaking about the occasion, Town Mayor Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper said: “The Council wished to acknowledge the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in a way that would enhance the Town, planting trees from each home country seemed like the obvious option. We are grateful to our local schools for assisting with the event and to the children for being so excited and helpful on the day - I am sure they will enjoy watching the trees grow in years to come.”

The trees can be seen in the garden where the Arun District Council’s Housing Department used to be situated in Church Street.