Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh Reopen Purdey Shooting School

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have reopened James Purdey & Sons’ shooting grounds at The Royal Berkshire at Ashampstead, following a nine-month refurbishment. The 65-acre site, 50 miles west of London, features upgraded shooting stands across valley and woodland terrain, including what the company describes as the UK’s highest clay tower.

What happened at the reopening?

Their Royal Highnesses broke clay pigeons on 27 October using a pair of guns originally owned by Tom Purdey, which are now displayed at the facility. They unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the occasion. The site remained open during the construction programme, which included upgraded stands, video feedback systems for shot analysis and a redesigned lodge.

What is the royal connection to Purdey?

The reopening echoes the late Duke of Edinburgh’s opening of Purdey’s Hammersmith factory in 2015. Prince Philip received a pair of Purdey shotguns as a wedding gift from George VI. Purdey chief executive Dan Jago said the launch “builds on our foundations and heritage to offer the best game and clay shooting experiences in the world.

“It was an enormous honour to be able to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to our fully reworked shooting grounds,” he added.

Who else was involved in the project?

Interiors were overseen by Giles Deacon, the British fashion designer appointed Purdey’s creative director in 2024. The facility caters for corporate events, charity functions and private shooting days. Purdey acquired the Royal Berkshire Shooting Group, which includes the grounds, in April 2018 from founder Dylan Williams.