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Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit The Cambridge Satchel Company

Lauretta Roberts
11 February 2020

The Cambridge Satchel Company today played host to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall who came to witness British craftsmanship in action at its factory in Syston, Leicestershire. 

On the tour of the factory, founder and CEO of The Cambridge Satchel Company, Julie Deane, introduced staff involved in the design and manufacturing process, which results in the creation of more than 8,000 bags per month.

The Royal couple witnessed each stage of the production process following the journey of a bag from a single leather hide to a finished satchel. At the time of the visit, a special collection of bags created to support The Prince’s Foundation were being made, and the Prince embossed one of the bags using a vintage blocking and embossing press. 

The Cambridge Satchel Company works with The Prince's Foundation by creating a collection of its signature satchels and other styles with 20% of the RRP of each bag sold being donated in support.

At the end of the tour Prince Charles and the Duchess were invited to take tea with the staff during which the Duchess cut a commemorative cake. The couple also unveiled a plaque and signed the vistors' book during their visit, and were presented with a bespoke canvas and leather Gardening Bag and leather Highland Cow Key Charm as well as a small Traveller Bag crafted in Harris Tweed and Brandy colour leather, The Doctors Bag in French Grey and a Bee Key Charm. 

“I was delighted to be able to show Their Royal Highnesses the excellent work of our highly skilled team at our factory in Syston. This very special visit shines a spotlight on British style and craftsmanship that is displayed though our extensive product collection. We are proud to have supported British craftsmanship for over a decade and we continue to champion artisanal leather techniques – something we know HRH The Prince of Wales is a passionate advocate of," said Deane who was presented with an OBE by Prince Charles six years ago for services to entrepreneurship. 

The Cambridge Satchel Company was started by Deane from her kitchen with just £600. Today the business has four UK stores and a global website. It recently opened its latest store in the centre of Oxford. 

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