The Prince visited the foundation last Thursday morning and spent an hour touring the facilities, speaking with staff, St Bride partners and guests.

As part of the tour he also visited the Foundation’s print workshop, where he spoke to students and hand pulled a commemorative print on the Foundation’s replica Dürer press.

After completing the tour, the Prince spoke to small groups of around 25 St Bride staff, governers and specially invited guests.

He discussed how the Prince’s Trust had helped a number of young people enter the print industry, citing the example of one person the Trust had helped to set up a business manufacturing marble endpapers for books.

He also discussed the need to keep the old printing skills alive, the challenges of attracting young people to the sector and the advantages print has in terms of its impact and longevity over digital media.

“It was a fantastic honour to host the Prince,” said St Bride Foundation chief executive Glyn Farrow.

“He saw the history of printing in Fleet Street and just as importantly he saw that print has many opportunities for young people.”

While the Prince was touring the Foundation, the Duchess of Cornwall visited St Bride’s Church and met its new rector, Reverend Canon Dr Alison Joyce.

photos: Rick Bronks, Satureyes Photography