The Duchess of Edinburgh Opens The Lighthouse Guildford!

2nd December 2025 | Royal Visits to Surrey

The Duchess of Edinburgh Opens The Lighthouse Guildford!

Smiles, celebration and a huge sense of community filled the room today as HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, Royal Patron of The Lighthouse, officially opened The Lighthouse Guildford — a brand-new hub of hope and support for the town.

Right in the heart of Guildford, the new Lighthouse is a warm, welcoming space offering practical help and genuine community to anyone who needs it. From warm meals and clothing to creative workshops, wellbeing groups, money advice, and coaching, the centre is designed to bring encouragement, stability and fresh possibilities to people from every walk of life.

The Duchess received a joyful welcome from volunteers, local supporters and guests from across the community. During the visit, she toured the newly refurbished centre, met with volunteers who make the work possible, and spoke with guests whose lives have been positively impacted by Lighthouse projects. Her Royal Highness then unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially mark the opening.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness and to celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter for Guildford,” said Rebecca Jespersen, Co-founder of The Lighthouse. “This centre is all about belonging, dignity and hope — and we are already seeing lives gently transformed through our approach.”

The Lighthouse Guildford joins a growing family of Lighthouse centres. What began with a single centre in Woking has grown into a vibrant network serving thousands across Surrey and Hampshire. With volunteers at its heart and community partnerships at every level, the charity continues to see lives rebuilt and renewed through its simple mission: “to see lives transformed through kindness, belief, and hope.”

Today’s opening marks another exciting milestone as The Lighthouse continues its commitment to bringing practical help, compassion and a sense of belonging to local communities.