Andrew Brownsword CBE DL commented today:
My family and I have witnessed the events that unfolded since Friday with great sadness. The Royal Clarence Hotel has long been a special place for us all, and to see the building now is heart-breaking. Alongside many of Exeter’s residents and visitors, we share a huge sense of loss of such an iconic building, and remember fondly our memories of happy times there.
Amidst the tragedy, I have been reminded of the commitment, professionalism and dedication of so many people, and I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support. Hotel general manager John Badley and his team not only fulfilled the most important function they could have done by ensuring all guests and staff were evacuated safely, but have since continued to offer help and support to all guests in a positive and extraordinarily professional manner. I am extremely proud of all the team.
I would also like to thank the city of Exeter and the many, many people who have helped us since the events of Friday. We are so grateful for the incredible efforts of the emergency services, especially the fire service who attended in huge numbers to assist in the effort to save The Royal Clarence and surrounding buildings. We’d also like to extend our thanks especially to the Council and to The Mercure Southgate Hotel, who offered every assistance to help both our staff and guests including refuge and temporary office space.
Looking to the future of The Royal Clarence, we have every intention to rebuild the hotel with enormous sympathy to its importance and heritage, and to make it once again a building that the City of Exeter will be proud of. We have always said we believe we are merely custodians of the buildings our hotels operate within, and we pledge to do our very best to return The Royal Clarence to the city of Exeter and its people.
