On 24 March 2003, the Earl and Countess of Wessex opened the Wessex Wing at Sherborne Preparatory School.
The royal couple arrived by helicopter which landed on the Sherborne School playing field. On arriving at Sherborne Preparatory School they received a Civic welcome attended by the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the Chairman of Governors, and Headmaster Peter Tait. The Countess of Wessex was presented with a posy by Lucy Morley, the youngest girl boarder at the Prep.
Prince Edward and Sophie were then shown around the Wessex Wing, a new classroom block named in their honour, and unveiled a plaque commemorating their visit. On leaving the School the royal couple were presented with a copy of the Sherborne Prep Cookery Book.
After their visit, the Earl and Countess of Wessex wrote to Peter Tait thanking the Prep School for their welcome and saying how delighted they were to have had the opportunity to visit the School. They also said how much they had enjoyed seeing and opening the new Wessex Wing and meeting so many of the Governors, staff, parents and pupils, and were thrilled to have been given the lovely cookbook which was a very happy memento of a most enjoyable visit.
Rachel Hassall
Archivist, Sherborne School
See also:
For further information about the Sherborne School Archives please contact the School Archivist
Return to the School Archives homepage