The Duke and Duchess of Bedford arrive to open the redeveloped Black Friars Distillery, home of Plymouth Gin on the Barbican and in operation since 1793. The business was known as Coates until the brand was sold and then bought out by French company Pernod Ricard. Plymouth gin comes also in Navy strength of 57% ABV and is traditional to the British Royal Navy who helped popularise gin around the world. Duchess Nicole was one of the first female television producers in France.