On 21 October 1961, HRH Princess Marina arrived by air at RNAS Yeovilton and was driven to Sherborne School. Arriving at the private entrance to School House, The Princess was presented by Headmaster R.W. Powell to the Chairman of Governors Sir Hubert Medlycott, Lady Medlycott, and the Head of School Richard Scott (The Green 1956-61).
The Headmaster conducted Princess Marina on what became a rather wet tour of the School, visiting the Old School Room, the Upper Library (where she signed the Distinguished Visitors’ Book), the Chapel, the Art School, and the Big Schoolroom.
On entering the Courts from the Big Schoolroom, Princess Marina ‘found the School drawn up in deathly silence. This was, however, intentional, and, as the Royal car moved off, the Head of School called for cheers, which were prolonged until the procession was well through the main gates.’
After lunch with the Headmaster at Abbot’s Acre, the Princess went to Sherborne Abbey where, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, she unveiled and dedicated a Second World War memorial screen for the Dorset Regiment. At the same service the colours of the former 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Dorsets were laid up. Outside the Abbey Her Royal Highness inspected a guard of honour formed by the 1st Battalion Devon and Dorsets and spoke to members of the Dorset Regiment Old Comrades’ Association, including 80-year-old Boer War veteran Tom Evans.
Rachel Hassall
Archivist, Sherborne School
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