THE Prince of Wales, who spent last week in Cuba on a royal visit, is crossing the Atlantic to open the new Windermere Jetty Museum on Monday April 8.

Prince Charles’ Cumbrian visit comes as part of the Jetty museum’s £20million development by Lakeland Arts, which have been closely working with award-winning architects Carmody Groarke.

His Royal Highness will be given a tour of the museum – one of the first contemporary buildings constructed on the Windermere shores for 50 years – which presents an in-depth look at the picturesque area’s steamboat history.

Rhian Harris, chief executive of Lakeland Arts, said: “We are thrilled that His Royal Highness will officially open the new museum.”

Upon arrival, The Prince of Wales will be greeted by Rhian along with her colleagues, Lakeland Arts chairman, Martin Ainscough, and chief operating officer, Liz Moss.

During the museum tour, situated ashore England’s largest lake, Prince Charles will be given a blast from the past after being reunited with Branksome. Built in the late 19th century, Branksome is Windermere’s flagship steamboat, which His Royal Highness sailed aboard when opening the Steamboat Museum in 1977.

Rhian added: “The Prince of Wales has a long association with Lakeland Arts and particularly with Windermere and its boats.

“We are looking forward to showing him Branksome. Our staff are prepared for HRH’s visit and introducing him to Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories.”

Another vessel on show at the museum is the Osprey, used as the main steamboat to provide tours on lake Windermere.

Construction work on the new Windermere Jetty museum started in November 2015 until March 23.

After his museum tour, Prince Charles will be whisked off into the heart of the Lake District to visit Hawkshead Relish, the Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, and then north toward Carlisle to visit the Pirelli Tyres Factory – to celebrate the rubber business’ 50th anniversary.