The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent presenting the Princess Royal to Headmaster Dr Weeds. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography

The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent presenting the Princess Royal to Headmaster Dr Weeds. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography

Cranbrook School was delighted to receive a visit by HRH The Princess Royal on Tuesday 12 June to celebrate its fifth centenary year. The Princess Royal, who was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, made an extensive tour of the school site, meeting a large number of staff and students along the way, before opening the new Sixth Form Centre. The two-storey building features a relaxed sitting and games area downstairs, with a kitchen, and an extensive quiet study area on the first floor.

HRH enjoying a joke with pupils. (c) Ali Kittermaster of Blush Photography.

HRH enjoying a joke with pupils. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography.

Amongst those students who were thrilled to have an opportunity to speak with the Princess were those in the historic new Year 7 intake, Physics specialists on hand to demonstrate the school’s Observatory, and senior Sixth Form students who showed off the new Sixth Form facility.

The Princess Royal touring the premises with pupils and staff. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography


The Princess Royal touring the premises with pupils and staff. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography

HRH concluded her visit by speaking to the whole school including pupils from Cranbrook Primary School who are due to join the school in September. Her recollections of her time at all-girls Benenden School and the occasional social gatherings with the boys at Cranbrook brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

HRH delivering her speech  to the whole school including pupils from Cranbrook Primary who are due to join the school in September. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography


HRH delivering her speech  to the whole school including pupils from Cranbrook Primary who are due to join the school in September. (c)Ali Kittermaster at Blush Photography

Headmaster Dr John Weeds said, “This has been the real highlight of an already special year. Cranbrook is 500 years old this year and is celebrating in so many different ways this summer. This was the icing on the cake!”