Archive Attic: Prince of Wales’ Visit 1980

On Tuesday 20 May 1980 the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, visited Truro School which was seen as ‘the crowning event’ of the school’s centenary celebrations. During the visit he unveiled the centenary window in the school chapel and formally named the school plane ‘Spirit of Truro’.

 The Visit of His Royal Highness Prince Charles, May 1980

It was a dull overcast day which welcomed Prince Charles in Truro. However, this was not allowed to affect the atmosphere of the occasion.

The school flag was unfurled as the royal car wound its way up the snake. The prince and his entourage including Lord Falmouth were greeted by Mr Burrell and Mr Bedford Daniel. He was then directed along the terrace to the chapel for the unveiling of the new Centenary Window designed by one of the monks of Buckfast Abbey.

As the Prince entered the building he was greeted by the School Choir singing the new Centenary Song ‘Esse Quam Videri’ written by Stephen and Patrick McGrady. Welcoming speeches were made by Mr Burrell and Head Boy, Nigel Morton, and the widow was blessed by Dr Holland.

Chatting amiably to members of the congregation, His Royal Highness, left the Chapel to the strains of the old school song and proceeded to the Graham Smith Rooms. The ceremony  had been broadcast by loudspeakers to the boys and staff waiting at other parts of the school.

He then walked up the pathway meeting boys and members of staff from Treliske. Speaking informally to many boys and girls, the Prince was led past the Science rooms to the new Technology Block where he was to name the aeroplane ‘Spirit of Truro’ built under the direction of Mr Keam. Enthusiastically the Prince, an experienced pilot himself, teste the controls and was obviously impressed by the expertise which had gone into its construction. He voiced a sentiment which was in everybody’s mind when he said, ‘I hope it will fly’. Fortunately it has done so.

The Prince was shown the facilities of the Sports Hall including a rock climbing exhibition by some of the more experienced climbers.

After a detailed examination of the Centenary Exhibition, organised by Mr Baker, he watched several boys at work in the metalwork and woodwork rooms and expressed a keen interest in the various projects.

While he had been doing these things, the entire school congregated on the lower Rugby fields to give the Prince a fitting send off as he left in the royal helicopter. This exit was a suitable ending to a highly memorable visit.

Everybody we spoke to was impressed by the Prince’s informality and ability to talk freely on a wide range of subjects. Despite the intense security surrounding the visit, he was not hampered in his desire to speak to and meet as many people as possible.

Indeed a surprisingly large number of people left the school please and impressed with the cordiality of the royal visitor. This highly memorable visit was the crowning event of the centenary celebrations.

S. McGrady and G. Pellow

Truro School Centenary Magazine 1980