THE Prince of Wales is visiting County Durham next week.

Prince Charles, who last visited County Durham in 2012, will be in the area on Thursday, February 15 and will be visiting Durham city and Barnard Castle to see museum exhibitions, meet members of the emergency services and enjoy a concert at Durham Cathedral.

During the visit he will unveil a plaque in memory of his ancestor Dame Elizabeth Bowes (1651-1736), at St John’s College, which is part of Durham University, before officially opening the Open Treasure exhibition at Durham Cathedral.

He will also attend a concert honouring Sir Hubert Parry, which will close with a rendition of his most famous work, Jerusalem.

His Royal Highness will also visit the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collection Gallery, at Durham University’s Palace Green Library.

In Barnard Castle, he is scheduled to meet firefighter, police officers, ambulance staff and members of the mountain rescue service at the town’s Emergency Service Centre in Wilson Street.

His visit will conclude with a trip to the Bowes Museum, where he will look at the exhibitions, including its famous silver swan, and meet volunteers and members of staff.

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, said: “Open Treasure, located in the most intact set of medieval monastic buildings in the UK, has transformed how we tell the story of Durham Cathedral to visitors.

“We are thrilled that Prince Charles is officially opening it and look forward to welcoming him to the Cathedral.”

Members of the public wishing to see Prince Charles are invited to gather at Palace Green at around 1pm.