Prince Harry has quietly invested his own money in 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 £1.1 million of his personal funds to support Children in Need’s initiatives helping young people affected by violence, according to the organization behind the project.
The donation went to the Community Recording Studio based in the St Ann area, which has been supported by 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 with 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 in that way shows what he has recognized and seen over the years,” he said. “He’s known us for over 10 years. So for him to say ‘I’m willing to do this’ is very helpful.”
Plans are already underway to extend the site into a modern creative hub. The vision includes a new recording studio, a basketball court next to a professional soccer field, and dedicated spaces for acting classes and creative work.
Rose said the center aims to become a full-fledged film studio. “We are going to evolve until we become a film studio, we are going to cast young actors,” he explained. “So a film school that releases movies and acting classes, I think is a big step for us.”
