The King reunites with Bahamian students who studied at Dumfries House during State Visit to The Bahamas

Our King’s Foundation Building Craft and Conservation Programme students from The Bahamas reunited with His Majesty The King at Parliament Square as part of the first stop on His Majesty’s Autumn tour. The students previously met The King at Dumfries House, headquarters of The King’s Foundation, in October 2025.

The King’s Foundation students presented His Majesty with two benches designed and created during their time at Dumfries House, showcasing the skills learnt during their time studying with the Foundation. The benches, which are made from fallen timber following a storm on the Dumfries House estate, showcase the skills that they learnt whilst on the Building Craft and Conservation Programme, and represent the importance of sustainable materials.

The Building Craft and Conservation programme for The Bahamas saw seven students visit the UK to gain hands-on experience in traditional building techniques, conservation and sustainable skills from expert tutors at The King’s Foundation. The King’s Foundation partnered with the Lyford Cay Foundation to identify traditional skills that were needed in The Bahamas and deliver the important programme.

The second cohort of the programme, which started in July, are currently studying in the UK, completing a ‘Live Build’ project in Wales. When the students return to The Bahamas, both cohorts will come together to explore how they can use the skills they have learnt to complete a restoration project on the Island.

“We are delighted to have worked with talented students from The Bahamas to share expertise in traditional building skills, that can be used to protect the historic fabric of The Bahamas. It is very special for the students – who first met The King at Dumfries House in Scotland in 2025 – to be reunited with His Majesty at Parliament Square today. We hope the benches serve as a permanent reminder of the collaboration between Dumfries House and The Bahamas, for the public to enjoy. At The King’s Foundation we are passionate about protecting traditional craft skills, and promoting their sustainability, so we look forward to continuing to work with skilled craftspeople from the Bahamas into the future.” 

Jeremy Cross, Director of International Engagement at The King’s Foundation