Every so often, a school day becomes something rather more memorable and last Friday was one of those days at Merchant Taylors’. We were honoured to welcome His Majesty King Charles III to the School for what was, quite literally, a flying visit, using our grounds as a departure point for his helicopter following his official visit to Northwood Headquarters.
As King Charles arrived by motorcade, there was a real buzz around School. While many of our boys were in lessons as normal, those who were able were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the King up close. Our Pre-Prep children lined the long drive outside the Manor, proudly waving flags as he arrived.
The King was passing through following a visit to Northwood Headquarters, but the gathered pupils and staff were delighted when King Charles stepped out of the vehicle and began an impromptu walk along the assembled line of Taylors’ pupils and staff. Taking time to speak with people and showing genuine interest in what they had to say was a wonderful sight and left a lasting impression on many. During the visit, His Majesty also met Head Master Simon Everson and our Head Monitor, Jai E.
His Majesty Being Greeted by Mr Hughes
I welcomed the King to Merchant Taylors’, who then thanked us for having him. He asked about teaching at the School, and I told him how wonderful the boys at Taylors’ are. The experience was surreal - it made me feel incredibly proud to be part of such an incredible School.
Among the boys gathered was Eliyaan J. (Divs), who spoke with His Majesty as he made his way along the line:
When the King approached, I was starstruck. We spoke briefly about extracurriculars, and he carried himself in a humble, down-to-earth way. It’s a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Nearby was Pharon J. (5ths), who was on crutches. As the King made his way along the line, he appeared to make a point of stopping to greet Pharon, which delighted those watching nearby. The King asked him about sport at the School, before continuing along the line. Pharon described it as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” and said he felt lucky to have been “in the right place at the right time”.
His Majesty Talking to Eliyaan
Further along the line Dina Kotecha, Executive Functions Specialist, witnessed many of the encounters as His Majesty gradually approached. Dina said:
“Watching King Charles step out to greet our school community was a truly special moment. When he approached me, he offered a warm handshake and asked about my work with real interest. Though brief, it was deeply humbling – an experience that filled our school with great excitement and pride.”
The King then made his way back up the path towards the vehicles, where the Head Master and Jai E. (U6th) were waiting to offer an official welcome. After a brief conversation with the Head Master, Jai spoke with His Majesty at greater length. Jai said:
It was a real honour to meet His Majesty and shake his hand. We spoke about my plans to study medicine and the possibility of becoming a medical officer in the British Army. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity - it was a very special moment and one I will cherish for a long time to come.
His Majesty Talking to Jai E. (U6th) and Head Master Simon Everson
While this was our first Royal visit in recent memory, the School’s links with the Royal Family stretch back much further. In July 1926, Edward VIII – then Prince of Wales – laid the foundation stone of the new Science Building at our former Charterhouse Square site, later brought to Northwood for its historical significance. Our archives also record the Duke of York (later George VI) laying the foundation stone at Sandy Lodge in June 1931; Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s visit in 1962, when she toured the School and spoke of success built on faith, tolerance and love of justice; and her return in 1975 to open the new Music Department, reflecting on the balance between technology and the arts – and famously prompting a day’s holiday to mark the occasion.
As the excitement of the day settles, we look back on a brief but memorable visit with great pride. It was a special moment for Merchant Taylors’, and one that will stay with all who witnessed it for a long time to come.
