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Gordonstoun community saddened by passing of Queen Elizabeth II


By Chris Saunderson

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THE Gordonstoun community is in mourning for Her Majesty The Queen who had a close connection to the Moray school.

A young Prince Charles with his mum The Queen at Gordonstoun in 1967.
A young Prince Charles with his mum The Queen at Gordonstoun in 1967.

Her husband the Duke of Edinburgh was a former student, as well as her three sons, including King Charles III and two of her grandchildren.

The Queen was a regular visitor to the school both formally and informally, taking a close interest in the progress of the princes and watching them on stage or on the sports field.

A young Prince Charles and his father the Duke of Edinburgh arriving at Gordonstoun, accompanied by friend Iain Tennant.
A young Prince Charles and his father the Duke of Edinburgh arriving at Gordonstoun, accompanied by friend Iain Tennant.

Principal of Gordonstoun, Lisa Kerr, said: “Queen Elizabeth II will be fondly remembered. We remember our late Queen sitting alongside Prince Philip in seats reserved with pieces of paper which simply said, ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’.

"She visited the school regularly and our students also saw her at the Braemar Gathering, a Highland games event which she attended every year. We will always remember her warm support for Gordonstoun and we send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.”

The accession of His Majesty King Charles III to the throne makes Gordonstoun the first (senior) school to educate a British monarch.

During his school days, the young Prince of Wales loved his time as a member of the Coastguard and was a talented musician and actor.

He enjoyed playing the trumpet, cello and sang in the school choir. He also regularly won the lead part in school plays, playing Macbeth and the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh meet students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Gordonstoun.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh meet students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme at Gordonstoun.

He was a school Guardian (head boy) in his final year as well as being a Colour Bearer (prefect) and head of his boarding house.

Ms Kerr added: “We are incredibly proud of the way Gordonstoun helped to shape the His Majesty King Charles III and he has stated on many occasions that it had a positive influence on him.

"His Majesty’s life of service, love of the outdoors, enjoyment of the arts and intellectual curiosity were all nurtured at school. It was at Gordonstoun that he discovered a love of archaeology and became an accomplished actor and potter.

A young student and his mother at Gordonstoun during his final year.
A young student and his mother at Gordonstoun during his final year.

"He also helped the community through his involvement in the Coastguard Service, and His Majesty remains a patron of the Coastguard to this day.

"Many of our former pupils who were his contemporaries talk of a quiet and talented student who blossomed at school, especially after an exchange trip to Australia. We wish him every success in his reign.”


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