HRH The Duchess of Cornwall unveils a plaque to commemorate the opening of the science labs

Queen's Gate visited by royal alumni

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall heads back to her old school to open new science labs

Posted by Stephanie Broad | March 02, 2016 | Facilities & buildings

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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall returned to her roots at Queen’s Gate School last week to celebrate 125 years of education and to officially open their new science laboratories.

During her visit, HRH met with girls, staff and guests and other former Old Girls of the School. The Duchess took part in various science experiments, including vitamin C and titration testing. HRH also met girls taking part in the BBC Radio 2 500 Words competition, for which she is an honorary judge.

HRH with Chemistry Teacher Mr Alex Selkirk

The Duchess attended the School in the late 50s and early 60s and took part in a wide range of activities during her school days including sports and drama. On this visit, she was treated to fencing and wall-climbing demonstrations as well as an ICT lesson, a choir performance and a trip down memory lane, perusing the old Queen’s Gate School magazines.

Upon unveiling the science lab’s plaque, the Duchess remarked: “I can't believe Queen's Gate has been going for 125 years, it feels like 125 years ago that I was here. Queen's Gate must have given me a foundation and gave me a love of English and reading and for some unknown reason they have made me chancellor of Aberdeen University, so Queen's Gate must have taught me something.”

Year 7 girls, who this week submitted their 500 Words essays, meet the Duchess

The last time HRH visited the School was in 2007 to open the new junior school building at 125 and 126 Queen’s Gate.

Other notable alumnae of Queen’s Gate include Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave (who HRH attended School with), Tilda Swinton, Lulu Guinness, The Viscountess of Weymouth Emma McQuiston, Nigella Lawson, Kelly Hoppen and Lily Allen.

www.queensgate.org.uk