Prince Harry has quietly put his own money behind a project that has been close to his heart since his royal days.
A youth center in Nottingham has revealed plans to open a film school after the Duke of Sussex donated £1.1m of his personal funds to support Children in Need initiatives that help young people affected by violence, according to the organization behind the project.
The donation has gone to the Community Recording Studio, based in the St Ann’s area, which has received support from Prince Harry since 2013 – years before his royal exit with Meghan Markle. During a visit to the center last September, the Duke reaffirmed his long-standing connection to the city, saying: “Nottingham has my commitment, my respect and will forever have a place in my heart.”
The charity now hopes the funding will allow it to replace its aging premises where it has operated for more than 30 years.
Founder and CEO Trevor Rose described the impact of the donation as transformative. “For him to help us like that shows what he’s recognized and seen over the years,” he said. “He’s known us for over 10 years now. So for him to say ‘I’m willing to do this’ goes a long way.”
There are already plans to expand the site into a modern creative hub. The vision includes a new recording studio, a basketball court next to a professional football field and dedicated spaces for acting classes and creative work.
Rose said the center aims to develop into a full film studio. “We’re going to develop into a film studio, we’re going to bring out young actors,” he explained. “So a film school that releases movies and acting classes, I think that’s a big step for us.”
