The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester view progress on Gloucester Cathedral’s new organ

Their Royal Highnesses toured the workshop with representatives from Gloucester Cathedral, the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral and Nicholson & Co. Their Royal Highnesses took part in a special ceremonial moment and signed one of the organ pipes, marking a milestone in the Cathedral’s musical history and legacy.

The visit offered an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the work of the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral, which His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester is Patron. Established as an independent membership charity, the Friends play a vital role in supporting both the fabric and the music of the Cathedral - including major projects such as the rebuilding of the Cathedral organ.

During the event, guests were invited to become Ambassadors for the Friends, helping champion the organisation’s work across Gloucestershire and beyond. Ambassadors will share the benefits of becoming a Friend within their local communities, encouraging more people to play an active part in protecting and enriching Gloucester Cathedral’s heritage.

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester said:

“It was a great pleasure to tour the organ workshop with Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. We have been very grateful for their support throughout the course of the campaign. Learning the craftsmanship of organ building – so expertly demonstrated by Nicholson & Co. - was truly remarkable. We now look forward with great anticipation to hearing the new organ singing through the Cathedral next year, for all to enjoy.”

The President of the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral, Hugh Tollemache said:

“For the Friends, supporting the Cathedral’s fabric and music is both an honour and a responsibility. As Patron of the Friends, His Royal Highness’s presence - together with Her Royal Highness - shone a welcome light on this work. As we welcome our new Ambassadors, we hope many more across Gloucestershire will join us in championing the story and future of this remarkable Cathedral.”

The Chair of the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral, Anthony Wilton-Steer added:

“The Friends, by helping to fund the long-term projects to support both the fabric and music of the Cathedral, always strive to be the Cathedral’s ‘best friend’.”

Gloucester Cathedral’s new organ is scheduled to begin installation in January 2026, with completion expected in Spring 2026. The In Tune campaign has now surpassed £2 million in funding thanks to supporters across Gloucestershire and beyond. This will not only help secure the funding of the new organ, but also support the lasting legacy of Gloucester Cathedral’s musical tradition with the launch of the Singing and Organ Academies in 2026 – these represent a transformative step in expanding access to the Cathedral’s musical excellence.

To find out more about the In Tune campaign and Friends of Gloucester Cathedral please visit: https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/support

About the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral

The Friends of Gloucester Cathedral is an independent charity dedicated to supporting the Cathedral’s fabric and music. The Friends help enrich the life of the Cathedral and safeguard its heritage for future generations. The In Tune Music and Organ Campaign is one of the major projects benefitting from their support.

About Gloucester Cathedral’s In Tune Campaign

In Tune is a Gloucester Cathedral fundraising initiative aiming to unlock musical opportunity and potential for all, while securing the future of Cathedral music – including the building of a new Cathedral organ. With over £2 million raised so far, the campaign continues to bring people together to support the Cathedral’s vibrant musical life.

ENDS

For more media information, please email Elspeth Keep:

Elspeth.keep@gloucestercathedral.org.uk