Abbot’s Hill School received an unexpected royal surprise after marking four decades since the opening of one of its most cherished buildings.
The school revealed that it had received a letter from Buckingham Palace after writing to Princess Anne to recall her visit on 9 October 1986, when she officially opened St Nicholas House Hall.
The letter, sent on the Princess Royal’s behalf by her Private Secretary, Colonel John W Boyd, thanked the school for sharing memories of the occasion and inviting her to return.
It explained that the Princess Royal’s diary is arranged six months in advance and suggested contacting the local Lord-Lieutenant, who could submit a formal request on the school’s behalf.
The message also showed that Anne had taken an interest in how the hall has continued to serve the school over the years.
She was pleased to hear that it remains a central part of daily life, providing a gathering place for pupils during lessons, activities and important moments in the school calendar.
She also expressed her gratitude for a photograph taken during her visit in 1986 and sent her best wishes to the school’s staff and pupils.
Sharing the letter on Instagram, Abbot’s Hill described it as a post-half-term surprise, adding that it was a fitting way to bring its 40th anniversary celebrations to a close.
