Staff at the Kent Messenger Group welcomed a royal visitor this week when Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, paid a visit to the company’s headquarters.

The Prince was welcomed by KMG chairman Edwin Boorman, and during his two-hour visit he met directors, editors and staff.

The Duke shares a joke with Ron Green KM Senior Editor West Kent, as he looks at a KM publication – hot off the press, with KM Group chairman Edwin Boorman; Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent Viscount De L’Isle; KM Production Director Duncan Gray and KM operations manager Karl Tucker.

Kent Messenger editor Ron Green said: “It was a very friendly visit and he put everyone at ease.

“He was keen to meet what he called the ‘real’ workers, not the suits, and spent time talking to people in classifield advertising, the ad studio, editorial, new media, photography and production.”

After a tour of the advertising and editorial departments Prince Andrew started the press, printing an edition of the Tunbridge Wells Extra that had a picture of him arriving at the offices on the front page under a headline ‘Brought to you by Royal appointment’.

As he signed the visitor book he told the assembled staff that he had enjoyed his visit which had shown that the regional press was in vigorous health in Kent.

The Duke’s visit was part of a tour of the county in his role as the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment.

His other appointments were at a primary school in the county, the Locate in Kent offices and the pharmaceutical firm Aventis.

The Duke of York starting the press
with KM operations manager Karl Tucker.

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