Britain’s Prince Edward plants a tree during Philadelphia visit

A member of the British royal family visited Philadelphia and did a bit of gardening at an area landmark.

His Royal Highness Prince Edward made two stops in Philadelphia Thursday: Independence Hall and Girard College.

The prince was not expected to speak at Girard College but said a few words.

“I don’t know why it’s taken me quite so long to be able to get to Philadelphia,” said the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II. “It’s a great pleasure to be here, and thank you very much indeed to all the students and staff of Girard College for making me feel very welcome here.

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“It’s a great pleasure indeed to be invited to come and plant a tree here,” he said.

The soon-to-be King Edward VII came to Girard College about 150 years ago and planted a tree. His great-great-grandson followed suit with a sapling.

Mayor Michael Nutter presented the prince with a Liberty Bell replica.

“I am on a regular basis influenced by a couple individuals from across the pond. Luke Butler hailing from County Durham and one of our top finance folks is from Cambridge, so the British influence is throughout the city government,” Nutter said.

The prince is keeping a British influence throughout his travels with a fleet of loaned Land Rovers and Range Rovers to transport him.

The prince’s two-day visit to Philadelphia included events to mark his mother’s 60 years as British monarch.

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