The Prince of Wales will visit Ilminster in Somerset on Tuesday to launch Ready Together, a new initiative designed to enhance community preparedness for emergencies and extreme weather. This project, developed by the National Emergencies Trust, aims to provide practical guidance to communities across the UK to help them prepare for and respond to situations such as flooding and wildfires.
Prince William, who serves as patron of the National Emergencies Trust, will take part in a training exercise alongside volunteers and young people. The exercise will include a series of emergency scenarios to demonstrate collaborative efforts between residents, volunteers, businesses, and emergency services in responding to potential threats.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that while many people are willing to assist their neighbours during crises, fewer feel confident that their communities have effective plans and structures in place. Ready Together aims to address this gap by turning goodwill into practical preparedness measures.
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During his visit, the prince will also engage with the Ilminster Resilience Group, known for supporting locals during episodes of severe flooding, and visit Sweet Surprise, a café offering opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
The visit will conclude at Ilminster Fire Station, where Prince William will meet representatives of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. He will learn about the use of mapping and forecasting tools that assist in preparing for the increasing risk of wildfires in the region.