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  "path": "/royal/queen-camilla-campaign-group-buy-local-village-pub",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-15T18:58:30.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Prince Harry and Megan Markle praise Sir Keir Starmer's social media ban as couple release statement",
    "Pictured: All the best moments from Order of the Garter ceremony",
    "Catherine and Sophie dazzle at 700-year-old royal ceremony in Windsor",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nQueen Camilla has thrown her support behind a grassroots effort to rescue a cherished East Sussex pub from potential closure.\n\nThe monarch wrote to a local resident who had informed her about the campaign to purchase The Fountain Inn in Plumpton Green.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn her letter, the Queen expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: \"I am full of admiration for your efforts to buy the Fountain Inn.\"\n\nShe also requested updates on the campaign's progress, adding: \"Please do let me know how you get on.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society, which is spearheading the fundraising drive, announced on Monday that they had received this royal show of support.\n\nVillagers have described the pub as the \"heart of the community\" and are determined to secure its future through collective ownership.\n\nThe Fountain Inn has served the village for 175 years, establishing itself as a cornerstone of local life.\n\nBar operator Punch Pubs placed the establishment on the market earlier this year, prompting residents to take action.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn response, villagers founded The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society to coordinate their acquisition bid and gather funds.\n\nThe campaign has gained considerable momentum, with the society announcing it has secured close to £300,000 in pledges.\n\nThis represents significant progress towards the £475,000 asking price, though VAT must also be factored into the total cost.\n\nThe volunteer-led organisation intends to acquire the premises and subsequently lease it to a tenant landlord, ensuring the pub continues operating as a traditional local.\n\n### LATEST ROYAL NEWS\n\n\n\n\n  * Prince Harry and Megan Markle praise Sir Keir Starmer's social media ban as couple release statement\n  * Pictured: All the best moments from Order of the Garter ceremony\n  * Catherine and Sophie dazzle at 700-year-old royal ceremony in Windsor\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis community ownership model would safeguard the venue's role as a gathering place for residents across all age groups.\n\nQueen Camilla's interest in the campaign stems from her family's longstanding ties to the area.\n\nHer relatives resided for many years at The Laines, a substantial property situated on the outskirts of the neighbouring village of Plumpton.\n\nStuart Wallis, chairman of The Fountain Inn Community Benefit Society, welcomed the royal support with evident pride.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"Queen Camilla's backing is a sign of just what the Fountain Inn means to a village like Plumpton,\" he said.\n\n\"Current and former residents - such as Her Royal Highness - understand that the pub is and will always be the real heart of the community that offers social engagement across all demographics.\"\n\nMr Wallis added: \"We are delighted to have had such high backing in this bid.\"\n\nThe society's volunteers remain focused on reaching their target and preserving this beloved establishment for future generations.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Queen Camilla left ‘full of admiration’ over campaign group's efforts to buy local village pub"
}