THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated their first official visit to the county yesterday (Oct 3) with an historic visit to Edes House, West Sussex County Council HQ, in Chichester.

The couple were officially welcomed by Susan Pyper, Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex and Martyn Bell, Mayor of Chichester.

They took time to chat with some of their many fans on a short walkabout along West Street, before being welcomed to the county hall, where they were were shown the rare copy of the American Declaration of Independence – one of only two contemporary ceremonial parchment manuscript copies in existence.

County archivist Wendy Walker said: “It was a real privilege to meet the couple and to be able to show them this fascinating and very rare document. I explained how it was discovered and the work we have been undertaking for the last two years with Harvard University, the Library of Congress and the British Library. “They both showed great interest in the Declaration and the American connection with the Duchess made it extra special.”

The duke and duchess were given a facsimile copy of the Declaration, before departing for Bognor Regis to open the University of Chichester’s Engineering and Digital Technology Park.

County council chairman Lionel Barnard added: “It was an honour to meet the duke and duchess and wonderful to see them interacting so well with the large crowds who came to Chichester to warmly welcome them. I hope they will both be back to see more of our vibrant county soon.”