Local Papers Cover Prince of Wales’ Annual Wales Tour

Local papers across Wales have covered the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s annual five-day tour of the country this week, gaining access to engagements under the Royal Rota scheme managed by the News Media Association.

Eleven local papers are covering a variety of engagements this week including a visit to a horse farm and to Llandovery railway station for celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Heart of Wales railway line.

Visits on today, tomorrow and Friday include Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan on the 70th Anniversary of the NHS, a tour of Tretower Court medieval manor house, a visit to the restored former Corn Exchange in the market town of Crickhowell and a visit to St Digain Church.

Prince Charles, who celebrates his 70th birthday this year, backed this year’s Local Newspaper Week saying that the importance of trusted media sources like local newspapers “cannot be under-estimated” in the era of fake news and misinformation in a message to local papers.

The NMA’s royal rota service for members helps local and national member publishers to access and cover high profile royal events across the UK such as the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle earlier this year.  

The NMA manages access for national and regional press titles to an average of more than two rotas – engagements with members of the royal family or senior politicians –  each day as well as representing the industry in planning and delivery of big media events.

Working with photographic agencies and freelance photographers, the system enables national and regional titles to access pooled pictures from the events.