MULTI-faith Salisbury was celebrated during a visit by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, on Thursday (September 14).

Her Royal Highness was welcomed to the Guildhall by mayor, Cllr Atiqul Hoque – Salisbury’s first Bangladeshi mayor – and the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton.

The Duchess unveiled a plaque on a tree which will be planted in the Autumn at Queen Elizabeth Gardens, before being accompanied by the mayor and Lord-Lieutenant for a short walkabout in the Market Place to meet residents, school children, community groups and visitors.

Special guests included the Mayor of Saintes, Bruno Drapron, who hosted Cllr Hoque last July for Bastille Day, as well the Mayoress of Salisbury, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Canon Chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral, the chairman of Wiltshire Council, and the deputy chief constable.

Earlier in the day, the Duchess visited Gul Outdoor Therapy, in Shrewton.

Mrs Troughton said: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to Wiltshire and everyone at the various venues in Shrewton, Salisbury, Downton and Bulford was delighted to meet her.”

HRH with mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Atiqul Hoque and the Mayoress. Picture: Salisbury City Council

The Mayor and Mayoress with the Duchess

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, met residents and community groups during a walk in the Market Place, Salisbury. Picture: Salisbury City Council