HER Majesty the Queen visited Newquay to see first-hand the beneficiaries of a charity she supports in her role as its patron.

Queen Camila was given a tour of the Wave House in East Street on Tuesday, September 2, which supports community groups and projects that have benefitted from the Cornwall Community Foundation.

She met residents supported by the organisation’s Turnaround Project, a residential programme supporting vulnerable young men aged 16–25 with housing, skills development and pathways to independent living. Since 2005, Cornwall Community Foundation has awarded 41 grants totalling £117,421 to support Wave House Church’s work.

Her Majesty was also introduced to Newquay Foodbank, who has received £93,030 across 24 grants since 2016. Their vital service provides food and emergency support to families in crisis whilst helping them to move towards financial independence.

The third group her Majesty was introduced to during her visit was the Clothes Horse, a sustainable clothing exchange for families, supported by £37,336 across 10 grants since 2019.

Her Majesty also met Cornwall Community Foundation trustees, staff, and donors, acknowledging the crucial role they play in enabling the foundation to fund hundreds of small, local charities and community groups across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly each year.

Her Majesty cut a celebratory cake during her visit. Queen Camilla said: “I just wanted to say how proud I am to be Patron, for which I have been for about 18 years, and I’m thrilled to still be here and be back in Cornwall. I just wanted to say thank you to everybody whose involved in the community, you do a wonderful and much needed job.”

Her Majesty has been Patron of Cornwall Community Fund since 2005, when she became associated with the charity as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. Over nearly two decades, Her Majesty has championed its mission to strengthen local communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, supporting grassroots projects that tackle hardship, reduce isolation, and improve wellbeing.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation, said: “We were deeply honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and to show her firsthand the extraordinary impact these incredible organisations are having across Cornwall. Her Majesty’s long-standing patronage and support has been instrumental in shining a light on the needs of our local communities and the dedication of those working tirelessly to make a difference, many of whom are volunteers.”

Hundreds of people lined the street outside the Wave House to see Her Majesty the Queen before she entered the church.

Carl Esme from Baldock in Hertfordshire, who is on holiday in Par, said: “I saw on the news that the Queen was visiting Newquay so our family decided to make our way over. We love the Royal family.”

Andrew Read from Redruth added: “I have always thought Camilla was a lovely lady for everything she has been through and for all the support she has give King Charles. I wanted to take the opportunity to welcome her to Cornwall.”

The Cornwall Community Foundation has awarded more than £22-million in small grants since 2003 to grassroots, front-line, volunteer-led organisations which are making a positive impact in their area, helping to overcome the challenges of disadvantage, exclusion and poverty.