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Sam Mellish

Queen opens Coram’s new national centre

Her Majesty The Queen opened the Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 5 December 2018, our national centre of excellence for the advocacy and support of children’s rights. The stunning new building is located at the heart of Coram’s historical site.

More than 100 children, families, staff and friends were presented as part of the visit. The Queen was welcomed on behalf of Coram’s children by an eight-year-old adopted boy, who presented her with a picture about the meaning of family.

Mr Newton spoke of his fond memories of the visit of The Queen’s grandfather to the Foundling Hospital in 1926, telling her: “I remember when your grandmother and grandfather came to visit.” The Queen replied: “That is a very special memory.”

After seeing the Royal Charter of 1739 signed by King George II, The Queen met Edward Newton, the oldest former Foundling Hospital pupil, aged 102, followed by Mia, aged 14 months, one of the youngest children to be supported by Coram.

Celebrating the past During the visit, Coram’s Vice President Asif Rangoonwala formally named the Rangoonwala Conference and Learning Centre in tribute to his grandfather. Life Governor Peter Brown presented a bronze statuette of The Queen, that now graces the entrance of the building that houses Coram Children’s Right’s Centre and children’s social work organisation, Frontline.