Royal Visit
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester Visits - 18th September 2024
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester for her thirteenth visit to the school and her first as Patron of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School Foundation. This special occasion also marked the celebration of her remarkable 50-year Presidency of the Foundation. Her Royal Highness was received by Brigadier Ingrid Rolland, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey.
A cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission is its unwavering support for Foundationer students. For over 265 years, the Royal Alexandra and Albert School Foundation has been committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment for children with challenging home circumstances, offering them the stability and unique opportunities of a boarding education.
During her visit, The Duchess spent time engaging with students, who shared their personal experiences at the school. Her Royal Highness’s genuine warmth and keen interest in students’ lives have been a defining feature of her visits. Several students enjoyed speaking with The Duchess, creating memories they will cherish for years to come.
Highlighting the school’s unique offering, The Duchess visited the school’s on-site Equestrian Centre, which stands as a symbol of the Foundation’s investment in students’ personal development. The Equestrian Centre, believed to be the only one of its kind in a state boarding school, provides valuable experiences for students to develop confidence and skills beyond the classroom. Her Royal Highness observed students interacting with the horses and also spoke with representatives from the Cadets and Interact club, showcasing the breadth of co-curricular activities available.
In addition to her engagement with students, The Duchess met with representatives from the Gatton Trust, which is responsible for the ongoing restoration of Gatton Park’s historic landscape, originally designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the restoration of the park’s Japanese Garden, an occasion which was proudly celebrated. The Trust, supported by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers, works tirelessly to conserve the parkland for future generations, and their beautiful plants were showcased throughout the event.
The school was also privileged to be joined by members of the Colman family, Sir Jeremiah Colman and James Colman, who participated in this special day. Sir Jeremiah’s father grew up at Gatton, which has since transformed into a state boarding school and home for over 1,000 students, many of whom are full boarders. Some Sixth Form Gatton Hall boarders, in particular, have the privilege of waking up to one of the most stunning views from their rooms, a reminder of the school’s picturesque setting within Gatton Park.
Morgan Thomas, Headteacher, said, “The entire school community is grateful to all who have joined us today for this special occasion, and we are especially honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester. Over the past 50 years, The Duchess has shown extraordinary dedication to the Foundation and our school. Her unwavering support and genuine interest in the lives and development of our students are very appreciated by our community. Her visits have always brought warmth and encouragement, and today, as we celebrate her remarkable service, we are truly privileged to also formally welcome her as our Patron.”
To mark the occasion, Her Royal Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque celebrating her recent appointment as Patron and her remarkable 50 years of service.
The school has launched a £300,000 fundraising campaign to refurbish the school’s sports centre, an initiative vital to maintaining the excellent facilities available to all students. The details of the campaign can be found at here.
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School Foundation looks forward to continuing its long-standing legacy, supported by the generosity of the school community and dedicated patrons.
