THE Duke of York will visit the city next Monday as part of the York800 celebrations, it has been confirmed today.

Prince Andrew will visit the set of the York Mystery Plays in the Museum Gardens and meet the main stars, Ferdinand Kingsley and Graeme Hawley, and directors Damian Cruden and Paul Burbridge He will also take part in a cake giveaway in Parliament Street; meet some members of the Ebor Vox choral performance, which is happening on Monday evening; and learn more about the history of York, its charter and the lottery bid to refurbish the first floor of York Explore.

It is the Duke's second trip to York in less than two months, following a visit in May when he presented service medals to Yorkshire Regiment soldiers who had returned from Afghanistan.

Janet Barnes, chief executive of York Museums Trust, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to show the Duke of York the start of this important production of York Mystery Plays 2012 with the building of the huge stage with the covered seating areas.

"As patron of the plays we are delighted that he is able to come up and meet some of the people working behind the scenes to put on this ambitious production, which opens in August."

Coun Sonja Crisp, the council's cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said the council was "absolutely delighted" to welcome the Duke and said his appearance would make the event even more special.

York800 marks the 800th anniversary of the signing by King John of the Royal Charter, making York a self-governing city. Next Monday, July 9, is the exact anniversary.