HRH Princess of Wales flying visit
We were delighted to welcome the HRH Princess of Wales at Hymers College after an appointment in the city.
Mr Stanley introduced her to Vanessa, one of our heads of school.She then surprised some excited students with a quick chat and lots of high fives!“Her Royal Highness was a great sport. She spent time talking about her role as patron of the English Rugby League, assuring us that her finger injury had been sustained in a trampolining incident with her children at home, rather than through playing rugby league. She was genuinely interested in the pupils she met, asking Vanessa about her plans for the future, and caused much excitement by doing an impromptu walk-about among the pupils, to the apparent consternation of her security team. She was open, friendly and down-to-earth. It feels as if the whole school community has been sprinkled with some royal star dust.”
The Royal visit - a day to remember
“It was during our geography lesson when we heard the distant hum of a helicopter. We paid little attention at first, assuming it was heading for the hospital. Only as the whirring grew closer, did we realise that it was the sound of royal propellers. Students swarmed to the balcony, necks straining, in the hope of getting a better view of the maroon aircraft making its descent. As royalty emerged, it was soon confirmed to be HRH Princess Catherine.
We returned to class, as HRH was taken away briskly in a four-by-four and resumed our studies. After a lesson changeover, fortunately for our A Level class, we were situated in B8, overlooking the school field where the helicopter had stationed itself.
Whilst grabbing lunch, hushed whispers around the Junior Common Room intimated that HRH would be returning at one o’clock. With that, we students rushed outside, where we congregated in front of the memorial hall.
Some ten minutes later, a silver Range Rover emerged down the sweeping driveway, pulling up swiftly outside the main hall. The doors opened, revealing Princess Kate, effortlessly elegant as ever. She spent time chatting with Mr Stanley and Vanessa, one of our Head Students. Meanwhile by the memorial hall, pupils were frantically flailing their arms, yelling ‘Kate! Kate!’
Then, unexpectedly, she turned in our direction and made her way over to us, which prompted many exhilarated screams in the crowd of students. Smiling, she spoke so warmly and eloquently, asking us how our day had been. The Princess also apologised for wearing her gym attire, explaining the purpose of her visit had been to partake in wheelchair sports at Hull University, at which we were stunned, as she looked just perfect to us! Before leaving, she high-fived many students at the front, and expressed her appreciation at the very warm reception (although it was very much the other way round!)
As she turned back towards the helicopter, we were filled with gratitude that she had kindly taken the time to speak to us. As we waved goodbye to our future Queen, I knew it would be a day to remember.”
Black and white photos courtesy of Francesca, Year 12