A Tindle Newspapers apprentice journalist had the opportunity to speak with HRH the Prince of Wales while reporting on an official visit in Cornwall.
Apprentice Scarlett Hills-Brooks, who is gaining vocational qualifications while working for the Cornish Times and the Cornish & Devon Post, joined a group of selected journalists covering a series of events celebrating the 70th anniversary of Prince Charles becoming the head of the Duchy of Cornwall.
As part of her development, Scarlett was tasked with reporting upon Royal visits to Boconnoc Estate and Launceston farmers market, organised as part of the celebrations. During the latter she spoke to Prince Charles, who was accompanied by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
For Scarlett, the visit was priceless experience on Royal reporting, as she rubbed shoulders with colleagues from the BBC and ITV. She explains: “For the event at Boconnoc Estate, I had to meet the royal rota and PR managers at a specific point where I was given a media pass. I was then briefed as to what was going to happen with timings and was also told what I was allowed to do.
“I spent the day publishing live updates on Facebook from the event, taking photos and videos and also talking to people and getting comments from people who were within our newspaper areas.
Informal visit
“At this event, I did not have a chance to speak to His Royal Highness as the day was strictly planned and they were only speaking to certain people at certain times.
“The Royal visit to Launceston farmers market was a lot more informal. The Duke and Duchess made their way around the massive crowd of the general public and shook hands and spoke to them. On this occasion I spoke briefly with His Royal Highness and shook his hand.”
Based in the Cornish town of Liskeard, journalism apprentice Scarlett is responsible for gathering news from across the local community as she works towards her formal journalism qualifications.
Scarlett said the visits had given her insights into journalism and Royal reporting. She explains: “It was my first ever Royal engagement and reporting experience, so it really was a fantastic opportunity. It was very interesting as I was working alongside other media outlets such as BBC Radio Cornwall and ITV’s Spotlight so I spoke to them about how they were covering the event.
“Both days were really exciting and interesting. As well as the digital reporting there were front page leads on The Cornish Times and The Cornish & Devon Post.”
Scarlett is one of a number of apprentices gaining editorial qualifications while employed by Tindle Newspapers Ltd across the UK.