A THEATRE in York will welcome a royal visitor through its doors next week.

Princess Beatrice of York will attend York Theatre Royal to learn more about the venue, and its upcoming redevelopment.

Princess Beatrice became a patron of the theatre in June last year, after studying drama at A Level, and visiting the York Mystery Plays costume workshops in 2012. She also visited the Yorkshire Museum with her father Prince Andrew.

She will visit the theatre on Tuesday to meet members of staff and find out more about the changes to the venue which will be redeveloped over the next year.

Liz Wilson, chief executive of York Theatre Royal, said: "We’re delighted to be welcoming Her Royal Highness to York Theatre Royal.

"It will be a fantastic opportunity for us to show Princess Beatrice our plans for the major capital re-development project, the first the theatre has undergone in over 50 years, as well as share achievements we’ve made since she became a patron over a year ago."

By working as a patron for the theatre, Princess Beatrice helps raise the profile of York Theatre Royal and the city, helping to secure new productions for the venue, and work in the community with new artists.