Prince Edward in anniversary visit to Royal Wolverhampton School
A school in Wolverhampton lived up to its royal name when it got a visit from Prince Edward as part of its 80th birthday celebrations.
The Earl of Wessex made a flying visit to the Royal Wolverhampton School, arriving by helicopter on the school's cricket pitch to a sea of Union Flags being being waved by pupils.
He chatted at length to youngsters and took a tour of the school, including the £2.6 million swimming pool which he had opened in 2006.
The prince then unveiled a plaque to go alongside an oak tree in the grounds of the Royal's junior school, which is 80 years old this year, and was presented with Beefeater bears for his two children.
He said: "It's a great pleasure to be back at the school and to see it happy and thriving.
"Eighty years is certainly an anniversary to mark and remember – and I'm pleased there's water in the swimming pool now." The plaque commemorated his visit and honoured the school's Parents' Association, which donated the oak tree.
Charlotte Ireland, headteacher of the junior school, said: "It's wonderful to have a patron who is so supportive." The Royal's main senior school, on the opposite side of Penn Road, predates the junior school by 82 years.
Headteacher Mark Heywood escorted the prince on his 90-minute visit and said the day had exceeded all expectations.
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