Royal Visitor at Haileybury

We were honoured to welcome HRH The Duchess of Gloucester as she visited Haileybury yesterday to bring to a close the school’s 150th Anniversary celebrations. Greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the Countess of Verulam, and introduced to local dignitaries including Mayor of Hertford Miss Jane Sartin, the Duchess walked through the cloisters before entering Chapel, pausing to admire the recently commissioned stained glass windows. There followed a short service including readings and prayers from the pupils and the spellbinding excellence of the Chapel Choir.

After the service, the Duchess stopped to chat to Year 5 children from Hertford Heath Primary School who presented her with a posy and waved their flags enthusiastically. The Royal Party then made its way to the new Grubber cafe where the Duchess met Sixth Form pupils before signing the Visitors’ Book.

In the Dining Hall Her Royal Highness was presented with a box of chocolate brownies by Haileybury catering staff and, after meeting with another group of senior pupils, the Duchess departed via the beautiful Common Room Garden.

The Master said of the service and visit: "Our pupils sang, read and conversed with great skill, charm and confidence, which the Duchess clearly enjoyed. It was a really proud day for our school."