The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Chatham's Historic Dockyard later this month, it has been announced today.

The visit on Monday, July 29 follows the news that the Prince will take on the patronage of the dockyard on a five-year term.

Admiral Sir Ian Garnett, chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said: "His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales honoured the work of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust over the 29 years of its existence by agreeing to become Patron earlier this year.

"We are especially pleased that he has now confirmed a visit here on 29th July accompanied by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to mark his patronage and see for himself what has been achieved since his last visit nine years ago."

Visitors to the dockyard on that day will be able to see the pair.

Prince Charles last visited in 2004 to mark the 20 anniversary of the historic dockyard's trust.

At the time, he said: "There are so many marvellous things to see here.

"This has been a revolution to see how you have managed to preserve and conserve and bring back to life these historic buildings.

"And you have worked so hard here to present these marvellous remnants of our great maritime history."

Chatham Dockyard closed in 1984, leaving 7,000 people unemployed.