A partnership with royalty

Wed, Feb 22nd, 2023

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In our latest Alumni in the News feature, we find out more about Worthian Nick Robinson and his work running a charity with the Duchess of Kent …

Today marks the 90th birthday of the Duchess of Kent, someone who Nick Robinson has got to know well over the years as in 2004 they set up and have subsequently run the charity Future Talent together.

Having left Worth as a student in 1975, Nick returned in 1986 to spend 12 years as a teacher and Housemaster, finally leaving to become Head Master at King’s College School in Cambridge. It was during his time there that he met the Duchess who shared his love of music. They went on to form a music charity that gives support and master classes, runs ensemble days and workshops and contributes to the cost of instruments for under-privileged children aged 6-18. From small beginnings they now support 100 musical children across the country.

As a tribute to the Duchess on the occasion of her special birthday, Nick features in this month’s Majesty magazine and he has also been interviewed by Royal Biographer, Hugo Vickers, in The Oldie.

Nick, who was in St Bede’s, said: “Apart from the King and Prince Philip’s Award Scheme, the Duchess is the only senior member of the Royal Family to have set up her own charity. It has been a real privilege and a great pleasure to work closely with her for the last 20 years.

“Her passion for music and her strong desire to help and encourage children from low-income families is deeply inspiring. Her vision to found Future Talent was based on years of experience in east Hull where she had been teaching music in a primary school on the Wansbeck estate.”

Nick and the Duchess are pictured together.

Worth likes to keep in touch and hear what former students are up to in their lives, and we run regular articles featuring alumni.