THE ROYAL VISIT – George Robson. “In 1961 it was learnt that the Princess Royal would be passing the school en route to Fleet House. Princess Mary was the third of King George V's five children and his only daughter.

It was decided that all pupils and staff would line both sides of the road outside the quadrangle to cheer the princess as she passed by. I found myself standing next to geography master 'Spike' Cawthorn. Suddenly the royal car, with a flag fluttering, came around the corner and we saw the princess sitting alone on the back seat. Clearly Spike was a fervent royalist for he shouted 'Cheer boys, and cheer loudly!' Suddenly the car drew to a stop and a rear window drew down. Clearly the princess wished to speak to someone. And guess who the boy was that was standing next to the open window? It was myself! The princess said to me 'Do you like it here?' and I replied 'Yes your majesty (sic), the countryside is magnificent.’ I remember clearly the response I got from the royal lips - 'Remember, one is nearest to God in the countryside.’ And with that the window closed and the car moved off with cheers resonating down the line. A slight occurrence but for me a memorable one.”

 

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