The Duke of Edinburgh opens final sound stage at Sky Studios Elstree

Sky’s new state-of-the art film and TV studio in Hertfords hire, Sky Studios Elstree has committed to complete the final sound stage of The former Earl of Wessex, Patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain. The visit took place on Thursday 9th March, the day before the Dukedom of Edinburgh was conferred upon His Royal Highness.

"Sky Studios Elstree will create thousands of jobs and will boost the UK’s creative industry at a time when it is needed most. It will become the new creative home for bold and unmissable Sky Original series as well as Hollywood blockbusters from NBCUniversal," Sky Studios Chief Executive OfficerCécile Frot-Coutaz  said. "The opening of this final stage signals the near completion of the site, and we’re delighted to have His Royal Highness join us.”

This event reflects the near completion of Sky Studios Elstree, which is designed to house 13 sound stages and generate an additional £3 billion of production investment in the UK creative sector during its first five years of operation. "The studio also has some of the most ambitious sustainability goals in the world, aligning to Sky’s overall ambition to be net zero carbon by 2030," Sky confirms.

To mark this special event, His Royal Highness, who prioritizes UK’s film and TV industry, toured the site, meeting local charity partners and young talent. His Royal Highness also unveiled a plaque on Stage 5 to commemorate the significant moment for the UK’s film and TV sector as it "marks the largest brand-new studio facility to open in the UK for decades." At the unveiling, guests filled the stage for a reception including young trainees who have recently joined Sky. The event also welcomed Local Sky charity partners, who are being supported by Sky through donations and volunteer hours.