On Wednesday 4 June, we welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, GCVO, to officially commemorate the School’s 150th anniversary and officially open the Edinburgh Rehearsal Room.
His Royal Highness’ visit celebrated the School’s milestone and highlighted its commitment to offering outstanding educational and partnership opportunities and the strong emphasis on supporting the local community. The Duke, a member of the ancient Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, has a longstanding connection to the school, which is one of several educational institutions supported by the Haberdashers’ Company in its centuries-long commitment to providing outstanding education.
On arrival at the campus, The Duke of Edinburgh was greeted with hundreds of flag-waving students from Reception to Year 13. His Royal Highness was formally welcomed by: Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann, Headmistress Haberdashers’ Girls’ School, Mr Gus Lock – Executive Principal, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, Mr Simon Cartmell, OBE – Chair of the Board of Governors, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, Sir William Russell – Master of the Haberdashers’ Company, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and in the presence of distinguished guests including Nicholas Buxton, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and Brigadier Angus Watson, Clerk to the Haberdashers’ Company.
The Duke toured the School’s state-of-the-art educational facilities and met both staff and students. His Royal Highness was welcomed inside the school with a display of photographs and memorabilia related to previous Royal Visits to Habs Girls, followed by meeting the younger Junior School pupils who excitedly discussed and showcased their community art project on the theme of love through haberdashery.
From there, His Royal Highness visited the Senior School and was greeting with a moving choir performance of We Thank You by Sarah Quartel, specially commissioned for the school’s 150th anniversary. The choir spoke to HRH about the piece and their love of music.
Habs currently run 52 hours of curriculum support and enhancement with our partner schools every week, which is led by over 400 Habs students. 1400 partner school children come to Habs to learn each week, or have Habs come to them. Mr Josh Plotkin, Director of Partnerships along with students and staff from Cowley Hill Primary School, Borehamwood, Monksmead School, Borehamwood, Fair Field School, Radlett and London Academy, Edgware discussed work they have undertaken and the impact on both our students and the partner school students.
His Royal Highness then walked to the drama studios and watched a short piece of devised drama by Year 9 Drama Scholars. Headmistress, Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann gave a short opening address, celebrating our strong commitment to the creative arts.
The Duke unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the grand opening of the Edinburgh Rehearsal Room. After the plaque unveiling, His Royal Highness took time to speak with the drama students who had performed. His genuine interest and warmth was felt by all.
Next, The Duke met with students who discussed their involvement with The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Each year over 100 students complete their Bronze Award with another 30-40 going on to take part in Silver and Gold. The students shared pictures from recent expeditions, stories from their volunteering work and talked about what they have learnt from and the impact of taking part in the scheme.
The Duke’s visit concluded with a delicious lunch in the Dining Hall, where he conversed with staff and dignitaries. The students were thrilled by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and share their experiences with a member of the Royal Family.
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