The Prince of Wales has been announced as The Old Vic theatre's new Royal patron, where he will offer work placements for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through The Prince's Trust.

In a letter introducing the Southwark based theatre’s bicentennial year, Prince Charles said 'As The Old Vic celebrates this remarkable milestone, I can only congratulate its staff and supporters on all that has been achieved so far and I wish this great national institution every possible success for the next two hundred years'.