Glastonbury was delighted to welcome Her Imperial Highness Princess Esther Selassie Antohin of Ethiopia for a special visit centred on peace, community and the town’s rich heritage.
Princess Esther was accompanied throughout the day by Deputy Lieutenant Edward Bayntun-Coward, representing His Majesty The King, who joined civic leaders, community representatives and invited guests for a programme of events across the town.
The visit began at St Dunstan’s House Health and Wellbeing Centre, where Princess Esther enjoyed a tour of the facilities and met representatives from a range of local organisations and community groups. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the important work taking place at the centre and the vital role it plays in supporting the wellbeing of local residents.
A highlight of the day was the dedication of the St Dunstan’s House garden as a Peace Garden. Led by the Mayor of Glastonbury, Cllr Zoe Price, the ceremony brought together councillors, members of the inter-faith community, civic representatives and invited guests in a celebration of peace, understanding and shared purpose.
In her address, the Mayor spoke of her themes for the year: co-operation, kindness and community. She reflected on Glastonbury’s longstanding commitment to peace, including its participation in the international Mayors for Peace initiative, first championed in the town by her mother, the late Cllr Denise Michell.
The Peace Garden contains a number of symbols that reflect Glastonbury’s unique traditions and values. Among them is the town’s Peace Pole, carrying the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in a variety of languages and connecting Glastonbury with a worldwide network of peace initiatives. The garden is also home to a Holy Thorn tree, planted following Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, representing continuity, hope and Glastonbury’s deep spiritual heritage.
Guests gathered together in a circle for the formal dedication, which included a Call for Peace, prayers, music and a period of shared reflection. The Unity Candle was lit and a Silent Minute observed, continuing a tradition inspired by Wellesley Tudor Pole, founder of the Chalice Well Trust, who believed in the power of collective stillness and goodwill. A musical offering for peace added to the atmosphere, while the garden’s Maypole stood as a colourful reminder of community, renewal and the weaving together of shared lives and stories.
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the Council Chamber for refreshments. Over sandwiches and conversation, Mayor Cllr Zoe Price presented Princess Esther with a replica of the famous Iron Age Glastonbury Bowl. The gift was chosen as a symbol of the town’s heritage and as a reminder of the values celebrated throughout the day. Its design evokes the legendary Grail chalice and reflects themes of healing, continuity and peace.
The day concluded with one of Glastonbury’s most iconic experiences: a walk up Glastonbury Tor. Blessed with fine weather and far-reaching views across Somerset, Princess Esther greatly enjoyed the climb and the opportunity to experience one of the town’s most treasured landmarks first-hand.
The visit was a memorable occasion, bringing together people from different backgrounds in a spirit of friendship, peace and mutual respect. It also served as a reminder that peace is not simply an aspiration, but something built through everyday acts of kindness, co-operation and community.
Glastonbury Town Council would like to thank everyone who contributed to the day and helped make the visit such a special and meaningful occasion.
