Royal visit

Described as 'a royal visit with a difference', His Royal Highness the Senhor Dom Miguel de Branza Infante of Portugal, made the special trip to Bexhill in order to trace in the footsteps of his great grandfather King Dom Miguel I, who, during his exile from Portugal spent some time in Bexhill and wrote letters to his supporters from the town.

HRH Dom Miguel was keen to discover more about his families connections with the South Coast after the link was discovered by author Malcolm Howe, who has recently published a book on the Portuguese Royal family and has known Dom Miguel for twenty three years.

Following a reception at the Town Hall with Deputy Lord Lieutenant Hugh Burnett and Bexhill Town Mayor Cllr Bridget George, the Infante was given a guided tour of Bexhill Old Town before enjoying lunch at the iconic De La Warr Pavilion.

On his tour of the Old Town, he spoke with Bexhill museum curator Julian Porter about the town's history and his great-grandfather's own visit.

Joining the Infante on his visit to Bexhill was Dame of the Portuguese Order of Saint Michael of the Wing, Elaine Montgomerie.

HRH Dom Miguel had arrived in the UK earlier in the week to attend the unveiling of a memorial to the late King Manuel II of Portugal and Queen Augusta, who lived in London following the expulsion of the royal family from Portugal in 1910.

The line of succession ended with King Manuel's death in 1932.

HRH Dom Miguel said: "It is the first time I have been to Bexhill and it is wonderful to be here. I love the English countryside.

"Following his expulsion from Portugal my great-grandfather spent time here and wrote letters from here to those people in Portugal who supported him. I found that touching and wanted to see (Bexhill) myself."

Town mayor Cllr Bridget George said: "We were delighted and honoured to receive HRH the Infante Dom Miguel.

"It was wonderful to discuss our shared history and show Bexhill to such important guests."