A tale of two princesses: International visit to Wightwick Manor
Royal ties were renewed at Wightwick Manor earlier this month with the visit of an international delegation to the house.
Maha Putri Maria Amor Leonora Torres Mastura, of the Sultanate of Maguindanao and Founder of international NGO We Care for Humanity (WCH), visited the historic Wightwick Manor on Friday, December 5 as part of her Humanitarian and Cultural Tour of Wolverhampton. The Maha Putri was accompanied by an International Delegation comprised of visiting dignitaries from the Philippines, Poland and India.
The delegation was warmly received by Becky Attrill, Welcome Manager for the National Trust at Wightwick Manor, who hosted the Royal visit and facilitated an exclusive, curated cultural experience.
A bespoke tour of history and heritage
Maha Putri Maria was guided through the manor by National Trust House and Collections Volunteers and Researchers Mrs Sue Whitfield and Mr David Bennett, whose expert insights brought to life the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the property.
A highlight of the visit was a special exhibition prepared exclusively for the Maha Putri, curated by the National Trust team. This presentation explored the Mander family’s connection to royalty, focusing in particular on the compelling history of the two Indian princesses who married into the Mander family, illustrating a poignant link between Wolverhampton and South Asian royal lineages.
The delegation paused in the Manor’s Grand Hall, taking photographs beside the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, capturing the warmth and elegance of the season within one of the region’s most beloved heritage sites.
Royal tea in a historic home
HRH Maha Putri was then invited into the private residence of the Mander family within the Manor — a rare privilege extended in honour of the visit. There, the Royal delegation enjoyed a National Trust favourite: tea and scones, arranged by Heather Chell, Food and Beverage Team Leader, and graciously served by local resident and volunteer Mark Thursby.
The tour continued to the gallery, where Mrs Dot Bennett, House and Collections Volunteer, guided the delegation through treasured artworks and artefacts, offering a deeper appreciation of the Manor’s Pre-Raphaelite and Arts & Crafts heritage.
Following the formal tour, the Maha Putri and her delegation met members of the public and visitors in the Manor gardens, where they engaged warmly with families, volunteers and guests, reflecting We Care for Humanity’s commitment to community connection and cultural exchange.
A gift for Wolverhampton families
At the conclusion of the visit, members of the National Trust team — Deb Starr, Jen McBride, Rod Willetts, and Steph Wilkes, Collections Officer — presented Her Royal Highness with parting gifts, including a generous donation of 50 National Trust vouchers. These will be distributed to disadvantaged families across Wolverhampton through We Care for Humanity during the Maha Putri's humanitarian engagements throughout the city.
The gifts symbolised both gratitude for the Royal visit and the shared mission between the National Trust and We Care for Humanity to promote access, inclusion and community enrichment.
Future collaboration in the making
Discussions are now underway for a second, larger international visit to Wightwick Manor in summer 2026, during which a formal presentation will be made to the National Trust. This future engagement is set to strengthen cultural ties and expand opportunities for international heritage exchange.
The visit of HRH Maha Putri to Wightwick Manor marks a meaningful moment for Wolverhampton — honouring the city’s historical connections, celebrating its diverse heritage and fostering global friendships rooted in education, culture and humanitarian values.
