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News release


Successful visit by HRH, the Duke of Kent


10 February 2006

The Met Office headquarters in Exeter hosted its first royal visitor yesterday, as HRH, the Duke of Kent toured the building.

Duke of Kent visiting Operations Centre Accompanied by Met Office chairman Clay Brendish, the Duke was shown the Operations Centre, where Chief Forecaster Richard Young explained how forecasts are produced using a huge variety of data. The Duke, who is an avid tennis fan, was also told how the Met Office provides forecasts to both the public and the Lawn Tennis Association, in the run-up to, and during, Wimbledon fortnight.

During his visit the Duke toured the National Meteorological Library - where he was shown the weather chart used to plan the D-Day landings - and also the IT halls where the Met Office's supercomputers are based.

Before leaving he signed the Met Office visitors' book.

Met Office Chief Executive Mark Hutchinson said: "It was a privilege to be able to show His Royal Highness the breadth of work the Met Office does and what goes into making a forecast."

Duke of Kent signing visitors' book

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