Vice-Admiral Tim Laurence News and Information: October 2005-

[tommy100]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...s-husband.html

A rare interview from Tim in his role as Chairman of English Heritage

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He is the chief custodian of more than 400 hallowed national sites — ranging from Stonehenge and the Battlefield of Hastings to Shropshire's Iron Bridge and Osborne House — not to mention all those blue plaques on the homes of bygone greats.

On his watch, the whole lot has been turned into a new charity. And it has never attempted anything quite like the new bridge to 'King Arthur's Castle'.

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For example, he is adamant that the Government should slash VAT on conservation work.

'I would love to see VAT reduced on historic buildings. We've been fighting that battle for a long time.

'It would make a huge difference to the historic fabric of this country and it would provide a lot of extra jobs.'

He rattles off tourism statistics — £30 billion gross added value to the economy — and wishes ministers would listen. 'I'm pleading on behalf of the historic environment.

'I don't think the Government is "anti" but I think it could be more "pro". This is not a loss to the Treasury. There are benefits to the Treasury.'

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'Everybody who marries a member of the Royal Family has to craft their own way of doing things,' says Sir Tim.

'There's no book of how to behave when you marry the Royal Family.' The experience has left him with a deep admiration for two royal consorts.

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So is Albert his inspiration? He smiles and points to a more recent role model. 'I think I've gained more from the Duke of Edinburgh obviously because I know him very well.

He is somebody who has supported the Monarch, but also done a huge amount in his own right.

Think of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the number of young people who have been through that.'

[MARG]

Terrific article. I have always admired him as a very practical military man. He was a breath of fresh air with his work on Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

It is not surprising that he admires the Duke of Edinburgh, the both seen to have the same "cut to the chase" approach to life, not to wait around and do things "the way they have always been done". Besides, Anne would never have married a spineless non-entity.

[Lemon Lyman]

I really enjoyed that article too. I had seen a programme about the bridge at Tintagel but didn’t realise he was involved. Very down to earth and likeable.

[EllieCat]

That was a great article. What a gentleman Sir Tim is.

[Hallo girl]

He has never sought the limelight for himself, just stayed quietly in the background, not a plus one to his wife. He has continued with his own work, only going public for his cause not himself.

[HereditaryPrincess]

I've always liked Sir Tim, too. He seems very down-to-earth and ordinary - someone I could easily strike a conversation with in a cafe.

[Heavs]

My brother in law met him through Princess Anne's work with the RYA and a close friend met him through the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Both said he was friendly, knowledgeable and professional.

I do think it's hard for someone where a role would be automatically defined if genders were reversed. A man becoming a full time royal to support and expand the work of his spouse and his own charitable interests is only permissible if she's the monarch or Crown Princess. He seems to have taken up causes which are close to his heart and interests and become an good advocate for them.

I do wonder, should the Monarchy survive that long, if Princess Charlotte's (entirely hypothetical) husband should be a full time royal considering her first cousin(s) on her father's side probably won't be.

[CyrilVladisla]

When did Sir Timothy become Chairman of English Heritage?

[JulieS]

Originally Posted by tommy100

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...s-husband.html

A rare interview from Tim in his role as Chairman of English Heritage

***

He is the chief custodian of more than 400 hallowed national sites — ranging from Stonehenge and the Battlefield of Hastings to Shropshire's Iron Bridge and Osborne House — not to mention all those blue plaques on the homes of bygone greats.

On his watch, the whole lot has been turned into a new charity. And it has never attempted anything quite like the new bridge to 'King Arthur's Castle'.

***

For example, he is adamant that the Government should slash VAT on conservation work.

'I would love to see VAT reduced on historic buildings. We've been fighting that battle for a long time.

'It would make a huge difference to the historic fabric of this country and it would provide a lot of extra jobs.'

He rattles off tourism statistics — £30 billion gross added value to the economy — and wishes ministers would listen. 'I'm pleading on behalf of the historic environment.

'I don't think the Government is "anti" but I think it could be more "pro". This is not a loss to the Treasury. There are benefits to the Treasury.'

***

'Everybody who marries a member of the Royal Family has to craft their own way of doing things,' says Sir Tim.

'There's no book of how to behave when you marry the Royal Family.' The experience has left him with a deep admiration for two royal consorts.

***

So is Albert his inspiration? He smiles and points to a more recent role model. 'I think I've gained more from the Duke of Edinburgh obviously because I know him very well.

He is somebody who has supported the Monarch, but also done a huge amount in his own right.

Think of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and the number of young people who have been through that.'

A great interview! He seems to be a nice man.