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HRH The Duchess of Gloucester delighted
pupils at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School
when she came to visit the school on 6th November.
After being formally welcomed to the school by
the Headmaster, and presented with a posy by 10-year-old
Laura Poole she spotted some Year 7 and 8 boys
playing table tennis. The Duchess promptly passed
her posy to a stunned player, commandeered his
bat and started playing. She impressed the boys
with a few nicely timed shots before resuming
the more formal part of her visit.
The Duchess visited the School to
open extensions to two of the boarding houses.
The extensions have increased the accommodation
for boarders and day-boarders and include fully-equipped
computer rooms where pupils can do their homework.
There is also more room for table tennis, pool
tables and other games that pupils enjoy when
they are relaxing after school.
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School
has enjoyed royal patronage since its foundation
in 1758. Headmaster, Paul Spencer Ellis said 'The
Duchess has been a keen supporter of the School
for over 32 years. She has a natural affinity
for the children in the School and they really
enjoy her visits. We are thrilled that she has
taken the time to visit us as we approach our
250th anniversary.'
After the opening ceremony, the
Duchess had tea in the Ballroom of Gatton Hall
and was entertained by members of the School choir.
As she came out after tea, children from the Junior
school cheered and waved flags. She spent some
time talking to them before departing, having
spent over an hour longer than planned at the
school.
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| Children wait
to meet the Duchess |
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| Meeting
children from the Junior Department |
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Laura Poole with a
posy for the Duchess |
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With Head
Boy, Siddharth Joshi and Head Girls,
Rowan Slaney and Robyn Newby |
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| Laura Poole
presents a posy to The Duchess |
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With the Headmaster |
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| Meeting Prefects |
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| Meeting the
Senior Leadership Team |
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| Meeting music
teacher Mr J Bryant and musicians |
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| Playing table
tennis |
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| Meeting dancers
in Elizabeth House |
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The Duchess
meets The Mayor, Cllr D Ross-Tomlin and
the Chair of Governors, Mrs J Keegan |
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| Unveiling
the plaque in Elizabeth House |
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