Royal Visit Press Coverage

Felsted School National Press Coverage Royal Visit Special 6th May 2014 Felsted School

TUESDAY 6th MAY The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast - 8th May 2014

The Royal Visit Dunmow Stansted Observer - 8th May 2014

The Royal Visit Braintree and Witham Times - 8th May 2014

The Royal Visit Essex Chronicle - 8th May 2014

FRONT PAGE

The Royal Visit The Telegraph - 7th May 2014

The Royal Visit Huffington Post ONLINE – 6th May 2014

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visit Essex. The Royals attended Felsted School where they unveiled two plaques to commemorate the School's 450th anniversary and completion of a new boarding house.

The Royal Visit ITV Anglia ONLINE – 6th May 2014

The Queen and Prince Philip help mark school's 450th anniversary

The Duke of Edinburgh meets Felsted School headmaster Dr Mike Walker.

The Queen and Prince Philip have spent the afternoon at a school in Essex helping to celebrate its 450th anniversary.

It follows this morning's trip to Chelmsford Cathedral where they marked the diocese's centenary and met volunteers.

A boarding house at Felsted School, near Dunmow, was seriously damaged by a fire in 2012.

Today, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially re-opened a new building as well as meeting staff and pupils.

The Queen meets staff at Felsted School. Credit: ITV News Anglia.

Pupils await the arrival of the Queen and Prince Philip at Felsted School in Essex. Credit: ITV News Anglia.

Pupils line up to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Credit: ITV News Anglia.

The Royal Visit ITV Anglia ONLINE – 6th May 2014

Queen and Duke of Edinburgh get a warm welcome in Chelmsford

The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at Chelmsford Cathedral this morning. Photo: ITV News Anglia.

The Queen and Prince Philip got a warm welcome when they arrived at Chelmsford Cathedral this morning.

It was the first stop on their visit to the county today which also includes a trip to Felsted School for lunch.

They were invited to the cathedral as part of the diocese's centenary celebrations and later met staff and volunteers based there.

Well-wishers lined the streets of Chelmsford - and hung out of their windows - this morning to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrive in the city.

The royal visitors have now moved on to Felsted School, near Dunmow, which is celebrating its 450th anniversary.

They will enjoy a very special school dinner and meet staff and students.

The Queen will also open the school's new boarding house, which replaces one that was destroyed in a fire in July 2012

The Royal Visit ITV Anglia ONLINE – 6th may 2014

Essex school to welcome the Queen for lunch

Staff at Felsted School have spent the weekend preparing for the visit Credit: ITV News Anglia An Essex school will be serving lunch to the Queen today as she visits to mark the 450th anniversary celebrations of the opening of Felsted School.

Prince Philip will join the Queen as they enjoy a school dinner, of sorts, prepared by staff there.

Staff have spent the weekend making preparations for the royal visit, including ironing table cloths.

Both students and staff will be at the lunch. Afterwards, the Queen will meet staff and students and see a display showing the history of the school.

The Queen will also open the schools new boarding house, which replaces the one that was destroyed in a fire in July 2012.

The Royal Visit Chelmsford Weekly News ONLINE – 6th May 2014

The Queen visits Chelmsford and Felsted School on memorable tour of Essex

THE Queen was told “the only way is Essex” as thousands of people turned out to welcome her to the county.

Her Majesty visited Chelmsford Cathedral for a service marking the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese before heading along to Felsted School in north Essex to mark its 450th birthday.

The Queen, visiting alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, wore a cream dress and matching hat and was given three big cheers and a warm welcome from those who had gathered to see her at the cathedral - her first visit there since 1988.

Once inside the cathedral, she listened to a sermon from the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, who managed to crack a joke about TOWIE. He said: “We serve the most rural, the most urban, the most coastal, and I wish to add, the most glorious diocese in the Church of England. You name it; here in the Diocese of Chelmsford, we've got it.

“Yes, you could even say, the only way is Essex, but I want to tell you about a better way and its roots in this old county - the way of Jesus Christ.”

Laura Murphy, 27, dived out of her office to catch a glimpse of the Royals.

She said: “We were really excited to her. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to the Queen where you live. You could feel and see the excitement of the people that were here.”

The Chelmsford Diocese takes in the whole of Essex and five east London boroughs and pupils from schools including The Cathedral School made up the choir.

Following the service, and before heading on to Felsted School, the Royals visited the Diocese offices opposite the cathedral, where they met with staff and volunteers.

Hundreds of people gathered to wave their flags and welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Felsted School.

Pupils and teachers lined the road outside the school and were joined by an ever-growing crowd of excited villagers and spectators, who filled the air with cheers and applause as the royal couple emerged from their cars just after 12.30pm Among the crowd were friends Maureen Reeve, 72, and Veronica Chopping, 74, both of Chestnut Walk, in Felsted.

Miss Chopping said: "We have been waving our flags at everyone as well as the Queen.

"I saw her before when she came to the cathedral in Chelmsford many years ago. But it’s more exciting this time because we were closer to her and this is where we live."

After a rousing welcome from spectators, the royal couple were greeted by Dr Michael Walker, headmaster of the school, head boy Sam Seacombe, head girl Lydia Carrington and other officials.

Once inside they were treated to a celebratory lunch before her Majesty unveiled two plaques in the Lord Riche Hall, to mark the 450th anniversary and commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House Boarding House, which was lost to a fire in 2012 and recently rebuilt.

The school choir sang a specially-composed anthem before the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were presented with a bunch of flowers, by pupil Mary Alcott, and with a Felsted teddy bear by prefect Oliver Stonahan, 13.

After the visit, the Queen and her husband made their way to their helicopter before taking off to grand applause.

The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast ONLINE – 6th May 2014

Crowds delighted at Queen’s visit to Felsted School

People lined the streets of Felsted waving Union Jack flags to welcome the arrival of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The spectators waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the monarch as she arrived at Felsted School on Tuesday for the school’s 450th anniversary celebrations.

Angie Dorrington, whose children used to attend the school, said: “I think it is such an honour that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have come here today and it is really exciting for everybody. I am proud to be British and proud to have a monarchy!”

As soon as the Queen’s car was in sight, cheers and applause erupted from members of the eagerly-waiting public.

Lesley Taylor, 68, who lives in The Vicarage, Felsted, wouldn’t have missed it for the world. She said: “This is wonderful for the school and the village. To have a monarch come to the area is just amazing.”

And Lorraine Gordon added: “Events like these do not come round very often, in fact this is a once in a lifetime opportunity which makes it fantastic that it is in our local area.”

The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast ONLINE – 6th May 2014

HM The Queen visits Felsted to celebrate school’s 450th anniversary

Felsted School enjoyed the crowning moment of its 450 year celebrations today as Her Majesty the Queen visited the School.

Following in the footsteps of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, who visited for the 400th anniversary, it was an extremely special occasion.

The visit itself was separated into two parts. The first was a private lunch, prepared by Felsted’s nervous but excited catering department, this was followed by a special assembly where Her Majesty unveiled two plaques.

These plaques commemorated the 450th anniversary, and also the rebuilding of Follyfield boarding house, destroyed by fire in 2012.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at Felsted to glorious sunshine. They drove across The Front to be greeted by Felsted pupils and staff.

Upon arrival at the Lord Riche Hall, which was opened by Princess Anne in 1989, the Royal couple were greeted to the National Anthem, played by Felsted’s Corps of Drums.

They were then introduced to Headmaster Dr Mike Walker, Headmistress of the Preparatory School, Jenny Burrett, and Chairman of Governors, Mr John Davies, amongst others.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were then escorted to lunch which began with a Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Terrine, before everyone enjoyed Pheasant Smitane in a Madeira, Mushroom and Cream Sauce. This was finished off beautifully by Spiced Pears poached in Red Wine.

Head Girl Lydia Carrington, who sat next to HRH Prince Philip at lunch, commented: “They were both so down to earth and easy to talk to. His Royal Highness was asking me all about my Duke of Edinburgh Gold award. I don’t think it will sink in properly until later on this evening that I actually met them!”

The 450th Anniversary Ceremony followed, with short speeches by the Chairman of Governors and the Headmaster. These were also accompanied by some wonderful singing, including Vivaldi’s Gloria and a mesmeric performance of the Felsted 450th anthem, Let The People Praise You, specifically composed for this year by Alexander L’Estrange. Head Boy Sam Seacombe commented: “It was awe-inspiring to sit that close to one of the longest reigning monarchs, and talk to someone with such a depth of experience. It will be difficult to beat this moment!”

Members of the Felsted Common Room presented the HM Queen and HRH Prince Philip with a painting titled ‘Carol Service Felsted School 1972’ by David Plested, formerly of the Common Room. Her Majesty and the HRH the Duke of Edinburgh were also given a leatherbound copy of ‘Garde Ta Foy: The Riche Heritage of Felsted School’ by Alastair GriersonRickford, former Common Room member and Felsted Historian.

There was also a presentation of a boot scraper, which is part of a Royal tradition here at Felsted, as the HM the Queen Mother also received a boot scraper on her visit for the 400th anniversary.

Following the anniversary ceremony, the HRH the Queen was presented with a posy of flowers by Mary Alcott, from the Pre-Preparatory School. She also received a FelsTed from Oliver Stonham, a Preparatory School pupil, and the HRH Duke of Edinburgh received a Tie from Deputy Head of School James Halfhide.

Dr Mike Walker was ecstatic with how the day went: “There were lots of little touches that one could talk about; the royal couple spoke to a number of our Preparatory pupils who presented a tableau of Felsted through the ages and some of our Senior students who showed them displays of Felsted activities, as the procession went into the main hall.

“I have been referring to this visit as the tale of three Elizabeth’s; the School was founded in 1564, during the reign of Elizabeth I; HM The Queen Mother came here 50 years ago; and now of course we have the outstanding honour for the School of the reigning Monarch visiting. When I pointed this out to the HM Queen at lunch she burst out laughing! They were very relaxed, informal, and absolutely lovely.

“This visit means so much to everyone here. I am overwhelmingly proud to have been Headmaster at such an incredible event.”

The Royal Visit Echo ONLINE – 6th May 2014

The Queen visits Chelmsford and Felsted School on memorable tour of Essex

THE Queen was told “the only way is Essex” as thousands of people turned out to welcome her to the county.

Her Majesty visited Chelmsford Cathedral for a service marking the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese before heading along to Felsted School in north Essex to mark its 450th birthday.

The Queen, visiting alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, wore a cream dress and matching hat and was given three big cheers and a warm welcome from those who had gathered to see her at the cathedral - her first visit there since 1988.

Once inside the cathedral, she listened to a sermon from the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, who managed to crack a joke about TOWIE. He said: “We serve the most rural, the most urban, the most coastal, and I wish to add, the most glorious diocese in the Church of England. You name it; here in the Diocese of Chelmsford, we've got it.

“Yes, you could even say, the only way is Essex, but I want to tell you about a better way and its roots in this old county - the way of Jesus Christ.”

Laura Murphy, 27, dived out of her office to catch a glimpse of the Royals.

She said: “We were really excited to her. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to the Queen where you live. You could feel and see the excitement of the people that were here.

The Chelmsford Diocese takes in the whole of Essex and five east London boroughs and pupils from schools including The Cathedral School made up the choir.

Following the service, and before heading on to Felsted School, the Royals visited the Diocese offices opposite the cathedral, where they met with staff and volunteers.

Hundreds of people gathered to wave their flags and welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Felsted School.

Pupils and teachers lined the road outside the school and were joined by an ever-growing crowd of excited villagers and spectators, who filled the air with cheers and applause as the royal couple emerged from their cars just after 12.30pm.

Among the crowd were friends Maureen Reeve, 72, and Veronica Chopping, 74, both of Chestnut Walk, in Felsted.

Miss Chopping said: "We have been waving our flags at everyone as well as the Queen.

"I saw her before when she came to the cathedral in Chelmsford many years ago. But it’s more exciting this time because we were closer to her and this is where we live."

After a rousing welcome from spectators, the royal couple were greeted by Dr Michael Walker, headmaster of the school, head boy Sam Seacombe, head girl Lydia Carrington and other officials.

Once inside they were treated to a celebratory lunch before her Majesty unveiled two plaques in the Lord Riche Hall, to mark the 450th anniversary and commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House Boarding House, which was lost to a fire in 2012 and recently rebuilt.

The school choir sang a specially-composed anthem before the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were presented with a bunch of flowers, by pupil Mary Alcott, and with a Felsted teddy bear by prefect Oliver Stonahan, 13.

After the visit, the Queen and her husband made their way to their helicopter before taking off to grand applause.

The Royal Visit Essex Chronicle ONLINE- 6th May 2014

What will the Queen be eating on her visit to Felsted School after leaving Chelmsford Cathedral?

• The Queen's lunch menu at Felsted School The Queen and Prince Philip will be dining on smoked salmon and pheasant during their visit to Felsted School later today.

The royal couple will be making their first visit to Chelmsford since 1988 and after a service at the cathedral will make their way to Felsted.

For starter the Queen will be having smoked salmon and asparagus terrine.

This will be followed by a pheasant smitane, with Madeira mushroom and cream sauce, followed by coffee.

The wine list consists of a Sancerre La Reine Blanche, Domaine Jean Reverdy et Fils 2012, Chateau Tertre Daugay and a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe 1998 valued at around £60 and £80.

The Royal Visit Essex Chronicle ONLINE- 6th May 2014

Felsted School hosts the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

• IT was a day to remember for Felsted school as they hosted the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as part of their 450th anniversary celebrations.

Homes in Felsted village were bedecked in bunting in anticipation for the visit, which drew hundreds of people to line the approach roads to the school, hoping to catch a glimpse.

Around midday, the couple arrived at the school in the royal Bentley, with former pupil Olivia Jackson, 19, securing a spot in the crowds just where the car pulled up.

Taking advantage of a break from her studies at Nottingham University, she said: “It was very exciting to see the Queen, I've never seen her before and it's brilliant for the school.

“It’s a bit surreal.”

Her brother Will Jackson, 17, is in the school’s cadet force and had been practising for the royal arrival for two weeks.

Their mum Sharon Jackson said: “I’m surprised how close we could get but I guess it’s because it’s a sleepy village, but it’s fantastic for the school.

Headmaster Dr Mike Walker introduced the Queen and duke to various dignitaries, staff and pupils before heading for lunch in the Common Room dining room.

Deputy head boy and girl Luise Bendfeldt, corr 18, and James Halfhide, 18, were among the first to meet the couple as they arrived.

Luise said: “Before this morning I was very nervous then standing beforehand I calmed down, then as she came out of the car again I got very nervous.

“I've been excited but so worried about it.”

Remarkably, the royal visit was sandwiched by two exams for Luise.

James said: “Obviously I've had mixed emotions but overwhelmingly excited – it's a one in a lifetime experience, I think we all appreciate here how lucky we are to have the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh here.

“He asked us if we shared the workload and we said ‘of course, we're a good team’.

“It was incredible, she must be the most famous person in the world, I just don't know what to say, it was fantastic.”

Those joining royalty for lunch had a choice between smoked salmon and asparagus terrine, pheasant smitane with a Madeira, mushroom and cream sauce or spiced pears poached in red wine.

The school's choristers sung grace while diners had the choice of the wines Sancerre La Reine blanche domaine Jean Reverdy et Fils 2012 or Chateau Terte Daugay Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 1998 to wash it down with.

After lunch, the Queen and Prince Philip viewed a display illustrating the history of the school, which included the 2012 Folyfield House boarding house fire, which gutted the building.

Oscar, six, and Grace, seven, spoke to Her Majesty about a 2012 golden jubilee mosaic they helped to make.

Oscar said: “I told her I did most of the black bit in the mosaic – it was really exciting.”

The couple were escorted by chairman of governors John Davies, headteacher Dr Michael Walker, along with head boy Samuel Seacombe and head girl Lydia Carrington.

Following a welcome from Mr Davies and an address from Dr Walker, the Queen unveiled plaques commemorating the schools' 450th anniversary as well as the rebuilding of the boarding house.

The school's guest book then received arguably the most famous names it ever will before gifts were given to the visiting couple.

A painting of Felsted School, a leather-bound history of the school and a boot scraper designed and made by students were formally presented to the Queen.

The boot scraper was a nod to the fact that 50 years ago, during the school's 400th anniversary, one was presented to the Queen Mother during her visit.

The couple were given three cheers before leaving to a fanfare and Vivaldi, which was sung by the schools' choirs.

Outside, Mary Alcott from Felsted Pre-Preparatory school presented the Queen with a posy of flowers, while Oliver Stonham from Felsted Preparatory School handed her a FelsTed bear.

Deputy head boy James Halfhide presented the Duke of Edinburgh with a school tie as the school said its farewells.

A cheer erupted from the crowd, some of who had been waiting for more that two hours for her to emerge, as she made her way to the Royal Helicopter.

Head girl Lydia Carrington said: “We had a lot of practice – two hours of rehearsals yesterday.

“But it’s all been worth it, I’m never going to forget this day.”

Head boy Samuel Seacombe said: “They were such nice people so at ease and completely made you feel at ease,” revealing he was so at ease during lunch he almost split food over himself.

The biggest surprise for Dr Walker was how approachable he found the couple.

“I found them so familiar and very relaxed – it was a little bit like talking to my mum, she’s the same age as the Queen,” he said.

“When they first came in the Duke got me my the shoulders and told me I should be standing over there.

“It just made that contact with him and I thought ‘what a great chap’ – I’m sorry to see them go.”

The Royal Visit Harlow Star ONLINE – 6th May 2014 The Queen and Prince Philip crown Felsted School's 450th anniversary celebrations

THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit Felsted School today (Tuesday, May 6) as part of its 450th anniversary celebrations.

Her Majesty and Prince Philip, who are expected to arrive at the co-educational independent school at about noon, will provide the crowning moment of its celebratory year.

During their visit, the monarch will unveil two commemorative plaques during a special assembly in Lord Riche Hall, which was opened by her daughter, Princess Anne, in 1989.

One of these will herald the 450th anniversary while the other is to commemorate the rebuilding of the school’s Follyfield House, which was destroyed by fire in 2012.

The Queen will leave the school via helicopter.

Felsted has a heritage of royal visits; the Queen Mother visited in 1964 when it marked its 400th year.

The school has strong connections to the monarchy. Most recently, Old Felstedian Marcus Setchell oversaw the delivery of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first-born, Prince George, while fellow old boy Oliver Everitt is the royal librarian.

Headmaster Dr Mike Walker said: "To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450 year celebrations.

“The children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be headmaster at this time."

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are also due to attend a service at Chelmsford Cathedral today as part of the centenary celebrations of Chelmsford Diocese.

The Royal Visit Maldon Standard ONLINE – 6th May 2014

The Queen visits Chelmsford and Felsted School on memorable tour of Essex

THE Queen was told “the only way is Essex” as thousands of people turned out to welcome her to the county.

Her Majesty visited Chelmsford Cathedral for a service marking the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese before heading along to Felsted School in north Essex to mark its 450th birthday.

The Queen, visiting alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, wore a cream dress and matching hat and was given three big cheers and a warm welcome from those who had gathered to see her at the cathedral - her first visit there since 1988.

Once inside the cathedral, she listened to a sermon from the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, who managed to crack a joke about TOWIE. He said: “We serve the most rural, the most urban, the most coastal, and I wish to add, the most glorious diocese in the Church of England. You name it; here in the Diocese of Chelmsford, we've got it.

“Yes, you could even say, the only way is Essex, but I want to tell you about a better way and its roots in this old county - the way of Jesus Christ.”

Laura Murphy, 27, dived out of her office to catch a glimpse of the Royals.

She said: “We were really excited to her. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to the Queen where you live. You could feel and see the excitement of the people that were here.”

The Chelmsford Diocese takes in the whole of Essex and five east London boroughs and pupils from schools including The Cathedral School made up the choir.

Following the service, and before heading on to Felsted School, the Royals visited the Diocese offices opposite the cathedral, where they met with staff and volunteers Hundreds of people gathered to wave their flags and welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Felsted School.

Pupils and teachers lined the road outside the school and were joined by an ever-growing crowd of excited villagers and spectators, who filled the air with cheers and applause as the royal couple emerged from their cars just after 12.30pm.

Among the crowd were friends Maureen Reeve, 72, and Veronica Chopping, 74, both of Chestnut Walk, in Felsted.

Miss Chopping said: "We have been waving our flags at everyone as well as the Queen.

"I saw her before when she came to the cathedral in Chelmsford many years ago. But it’s more exciting this time because we were closer to her and this is where we live."

After a rousing welcome from spectators, the royal couple were greeted by Dr Michael Walker, headmaster of the school, head boy Sam Seacombe, head girl Lydia Carrington and other officials.

Once inside they were treated to a celebratory lunch before her Majesty unveiled two plaques in the Lord Riche Hall, to mark the 450th anniversary and commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House Boarding House, which was lost to a fire in 2012 and recently rebuilt.

The school choir sang a specially-composed anthem before the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were presented with a bunch of flowers, by pupil Mary Alcott, and with a Felsted teddy bear by prefect Oliver Stonahan, 13.

After the visit, the Queen and her husband made their way to their helicopter before taking off to grand applause.

The Royal Story EADT ONLINE – 7th May 2014

Essex: Queen told ‘The only way is Essex’ The Bishop of Chelmsford joked with Her Majesty about the famous reality TV show during her tour of the county.

•

CommentsQueen Elizabeth II meets staff during an official visit to Felsted School (Photo by Ian Gavan - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh attended a service in Chelmsford Cathedral this morning as part of centenary celebrations for the Chelmsford Diocese. The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell joked about The Only Way is Essex, famed for its nightclub-loving stars as he listed the qualities of his district.

Hundreds gathered at Chelmsford’s cathedral church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd to welcome the royal couple, whose arrival was proclaimed by a town crier.

The Bishop of Chelmsford said in his address: “The Diocese of Chelmsford is one hundred years old this year.

“Created to solve the pressing challenge of massive population growth and urbanisation in east London we are, as one experienced priest put it: ‘the most complicated and diverse diocese in the English Church’.

Queen Elizabeth II meets staff during an official visit to Felsted School (Photo by Ian Gavan - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

“We serve the most rural, the most urban, the most coastal, and I wish to add, the most glorious diocese in the Church of England. You name it; here in the Diocese of Chelmsford, we’ve got it.

“Yes, you could even say, the only way is Essex, but I want to tell you about a better way and its roots in this old county - the way of Jesus Christ.”

Afterwards, the Queen and Prince Phillip visited Felsted School as part of its 450th anniversary celebrations.

The royal couple enjoyed lunch at the school that celebrated its 400th anniversary with the Queen Mother in 1964 before touring a small exhibition about the school and saw the Foundation deed and covenant Lord Riche signed establishing a free school in the Essex village of Felsted.

Looking at the large document, the Queen said: “Hasn’t it survived well?”

They also saw a group of younger children from Felsted’s prep school dressed in costumes for a pageant that will parade through the village to mark the anniversary.

They were dressed as characters charting historic developments from the past four-and-a-half centuries, from the Tudors to the Georgians and on to the Victorians and the modern day.

At the end of the line were two schoolchildren dressed as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day.

Before leaving, the Queen attended a special school assembly and was given a number of presents, including a bootscraper designed and made by students and staff.

Headmaster Dr Mike Walker said: “I have been referring to this visit as the tale of three Elizabeth’s. The school was founded in 1564, during the reign of Elizabeth I, while The Queen Mother came here 50 years ago - and now of course we have the outstanding honour for the school of the reigning Monarch visiting.

“When I pointed this out to the Queen at lunch she burst out laughing. They were very relaxed, informal, and absolutely lovely.

“This visit means so much to everyone here. I am overwhelmingly proud to have been Headmaster at such an incredible event.”

Head boy Sam Seacombe added: “It was awe-inspiring to sit that close to one of the longest reigning monarchs, and talk to someone with such a depth of experience. It will be difficult to beat this moment.”

The Royal Visit EADT ONLINE – 07th May 2014

Queen to visit Chelmsford Cathedral and Felsted School today Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, she is scheduled to attend a special service at Chelmsford Cathedral this morning followed by the unveiling of a plaque at Felsted School.

Cathedral spokesman Ruth Collin said the sense of anticipation was growing yesterday as the final preparations were put in place.

“We are all very much looking forward to it,” she said. “The final preparations are being put in place, the seating is out, the flowers arranged – it’s looking great.”

The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, described the visit as the “icing on the cake” for the diocese’s centenary celebrations being held this year.

Assembling a 650-strong guest list, which best represents the diocese’ achievements over the past century, has been a “massive” operation for the cathedral.

Ms Collin explained: “We wanted it to represent the whole range of the work that goes on in the diocese and the cathedral over the past 100 years.”

Clergy, congregation and active members of the community will join the royal visitors for a traditional service, which is to be broadcast on loudspeakers in the churchyard for the public to hear.

The Dean of Chelmsford Nicholas Henshall said: “A lot of people invited are there for their role in the community, whether it is in the voluntary sector, running after-school clubs or activities in hospitals.

“This is not about looking back but looking forward at what the next 100 years will look like.”

The Queen will then visit Felsted School, near Braintree, where she will unveil two commemorative plaques during a special assembly in the Lord Riche Hall, which was opened by Princess Anne in 1989. The visit, which will be “the absolute pinnacle”of the independent school’s 450th anniversary celebrations, forms part of a long heritage of royal visits.

The Queen Mother attended the school’s 400th anniversary celebrations in 1968 and Old Felstedian Sir Marcus Setchell oversaw the delivery of Prince George last year.

Headmaster Dr Mike Walker said: “To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450th year celebrations.

“The school is busy preparing for this Royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be headmaster at this time.”

The Royal Visit

Express ONLINE – 7th May 2014

The only way is Essex for Her Majesty!

Queen visits Chelmsford cathedral THE Queen was told "the only way is Essex" today, as she visited one of the county's cathedrals Accompanied by Prince Philip, Her Majesty joined a congregation at Chelmsford's cathedral church of St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd.

At a service celebrating 100 years of the diocese, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell joked about the ITV reality show synonymous with fake tans and nightclubs.

Her Majesty with Dr Michael Walker during a visit to Felsted School [PA]

He told the hundreds gathered: "Created to solve the pressing challenge of massive population growth and urbanisation in east London we are, as one experienced priest put it: 'the most complicated and diverse diocese in the English Church'.

"We serve the most rural, the most urban, the most coastal, and I wish to add, the most glorious diocese in the Church of England. You name it; here in the Diocese of Chelmsford, we've got it. " "Yes, you could even say, the only way is Essex, but I want to tell you about a better way and its roots in this old county - the way of Jesus Christ."e Queen was accompanied by Prince Philip [PA] A town crier had earlier proclaimed the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh's arrival.

The royal couple also visited Felsted School this afternoon to unveil two plaques, commemorating the school's 450th anniversary and the completion of a new boarding house.

THE BUILD UP The Royal Visit Boarding Schools’ Association ONLINE – 22nd April 2014

Felsted’s Royal Appointment!

22nd April 2014

Felsted School has been granted the honour of a Royal Visit by Her Majesty The Queen next month as part of its on-going 450th celebrations. Alongside her husband, Prince Phillip, she will be visiting this 100% ‘excellent’ rated co-educational independent school on Tuesday, 6th May to provide the crowning moment of their celebratory year.

Felsted have a long heritage of Royal visits; in particular, the visit of the Queen Mother as part of the 400th year celebrations in 1964 bestows a special significance on the forthcoming visit of her daughter. Felsted has always had strong connections to the monarchy; most recently, Old Felstedian Marcus Setchell oversaw the safe delivery of Prince George, the third in line to the throne, and Old Felstedian, Oliver Everitt is currently the Royal Librarian.

The Queen will unveil two commemorative plaques during a special assembly in the Lord Riche Hall, which was opened by Princess Anne in 1989. One of these will celebrate the 450th anniversary, and the other to commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House, which was sadly lost in a fire in 2012.

She will then depart the School via a helicopter, which is sure to be quite the spectacle for pupils and staff alike!

Headmaster Dr Mike Walker comments; 'To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450 year celebrations. The School is busy preparing for this Royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be Headmaster at this time.'

Felsted joins an elite band of Schools to reach the 450 year milestone. Founded in 1564 by Richard Lord Riche, courtier to Henry VIII amongst others, Felsted has achieved a sustained record of schooling excellence.

The School boasts alumni including Richard Cromwell, Lord Protector; Isaac Barrow, the famous 17th Century Mathematician; Nick Knight, an international cricketer; Sean Fletcher, the notable TV presenter; and Sir Robert Finch, a former Lord Mayor of London.

Felsted was recently rated 100% ‘excellent’ but the Independent Schools Inspectorate

More information available at www.felsted.org/450.

The Royal Visit Heart ONLINE – 22nd April 2014

Essex: Queen To Visit The County 22nd April 2014, 09:53

The Queen is visiting Essex next month.

Her Majesty will attend a service at Chelmsford Cathedral as part of its centenary celebrations before moving onto speak to students and staff at Felsted School as part of its ongoing 450th celebrations. The school's headmaster Dr Mike Walker said, 'To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450th year celebrations.

"The School is busy preparing for this Royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day."

The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh for the visit on Tuesday May 6th.

It will be the first of two Royal visits for the city in May; the Queen's cousin Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, will be visiting Hylands Park on the 22nd to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of Home-start volunteering in Mid Essex.

The Royal Visit East Anglian Daily Times – 23rd April 2014

The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast ONLINE – 24th April 2014

Her Majesty The Queen to visit Felsted to celebrate school’s 450th anniversary

Queen Elizaebth II Emma Hardwick Thursday, April 24, 2014 10:56 AM Uttlesford is preparing for the Queen’s first visit to the area in more than two decades.

Felsted School

Her Majesty and Prince Philip will be at Felsted School, on May 6, as part of its 450th anniversary celebrations.

The last time the Queen came to the district was in 1991 for the opening of Stansted Airport’s £400million terminal and to launch the Stansted Express train from Liverpool Street.

The late Queen Mother visited the school in 1964 as part of the 400-year celebrations.

The Queen will unveil two commemorative plaques at a special assembly in the Lord Riche Hall, which was opened by Princess Anne in 1989 – one plaque to celebrate the anniversary and the other to commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House, which was destroyed by fire in 2012.

The late Queen Mother visited Felsted School in 1964 as part of the 400-year celebrations.

Felsted School headmaster Dr Mike Walker said: “To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450-year celebrations.

“The school is busy preparing for this royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be headmaster at this time.”

On the same day, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be attending a service at Chelmsford Cathedral to mark the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese.

Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, said: “Chelmsford Diocese is one hundred years old this year. People from all over this vast and diverse diocese, from East London and Essex, will be gathered in our cathedral to welcome Her Majesty the Queen.

“The Queen’s visit is the icing on the cake of our centenary year.

“It is an additional honour to welcome the Queen to the newest city in her realm.”

The Dean of Chelmsford Nicholas Henshall added: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming the Queen to this special celebration at Chelmsford Cathedral in our centenary year.

“It is going to be a celebration of the extraordinary contribution the churches make to the communities of Essex and East London, and a huge endorsement of the role of the church in public life.

“But this visit isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone in Chelmsford and across the region working for the common good.”

The service will be played on loudspeakers in the cathedral churchyard for the public to hear.

The Royal Visit The Essex Inquirer ONLINE – 24th April 2014

Latest News Date Published: April 24, 2014 Story by Katie Mansfield

Queen to visit Chelmsford

THE Queen will be visiting Chelmsford next month, in her first visit since it became a city.

Her Majesty will visit the county with her husband The Duke of Edinburgh on Tuesday, 6 May. They will attend a service in Chelmsford Cathedral on May 6 as part of the centenary celebrations of Chelmsford Diocese.

Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford said: “Chelmsford Diocese is one hundred years old this year. People from all over this vast and diverse diocese, from East London and Essex, will be gathered in our Cathedral church to welcome Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen’s visit is the icing on the cake of our centenary year.

“It is an additional honour to welcome the Queen to the newest city in her realm.”

The Dean of Chelmsford, Nicholas Henshall added: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming the Queen to this special celebration at Chelmsford Cathedral in our centenary year. It is going to be a celebration of the extraordinary contribution the churches make to the communities of Essex and East London, and a huge endorsement of the role of the church in public life.

“But this visit isn’t just for us – it’s for everyone in Chelmsford and across the region working for the common good.”

Members of the public will be able to follow the service by loudspeakers in the cathedral churchyard.

The visit will also be covered on Facebook/ChelmsCentenary and on Twitter @ChelmsCentenary#ChelmsRoyal.

The Queen will also pay a visit to Felsted School which is celebrating its 450th year.

In December Her Majesty alongside the Duchess of Cornwall visited Barnado’s in Ilford and in October 2012, hundreds of people turned out to see the monarch visit Drapers Academy in Harold Hill.

The Royal Visit Braintree and Witham Times – 24th April 2014

The Royal Visit Dunmow and Stansted Observer – 24th April 2014

The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast – 24th April 2014

The Royal Visit Essex Chronicle – 24th April 2014

The Royal Visit East Anglian Daily Times ONLINE – 30th April 2014

Essex: Bin collection day changed for Royal visit

The Queen Will Lodge Wednesday, April 30, 2014 7:30 PM The Queen will have no waste-d time or her visit rubbished when she comes to Essex next week.

Some Felsted residents will have their rubbish collected a day earlier than usual so the Royal procession can travel uninterrupted by bin lorries on their rounds.

Her Majesty, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, is visiting Felsted School on Tuesday where she will eat school dinner and unveil two plaques as part of the school’s 450th anniversary celebrations.

It will follow the royal couple’s attendance at a service in Chelmsford Cathedral as part of centenary celebrations for the Chelmsford Diocese.

Uttlesford District Council (UDC) has taken the decision to collect some rubbish from the village on the Bank Holiday Monday in a move which will also ensure the Queen does not see unsightly waste waiting to be carried away from homes.

Ron Pridham, head of street services at UDC, said: “In preparation for Her Majesty the Queen’s visit to Felsted School next Tuesday, the council has made the decision to cancel its waste collection service for some of the properties in and around Felsted so as to not disrupt the Royal procession.

“Those properties affected have been directly notified this week and their collection will be brought forward to the Bank Holiday Monday, May 5.”

Jim Ketteridge, leader of UDC, added: “We are delighted that the Queen will be coming to Uttlesford, and I’m quite sure that she will have a memorable time visiting the historic Felsted School.

“We wish them all the best for their 450th anniversary year.”

Felsted School was founded in 1564 and is this year marking its 450th birthday with extensive celebrations.

The Royal party will meet students and staff,view a display illustrating the history of the school, and hear the school choir sing aspecially-composed anthem.

Then in the Lord Riche Hall Her Majesty will unveil two plaques, one marking the anniversary and the other commemorating the rebuilding of the Follyfield House Boarding House which was destroyed by fire in July 2012.

The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast – 1st May 2014

The Royal Visit Dunmow Broadcast ONLINE – 1st May 2014

Felsted youngsters preparing to give the Queen a right royal welcome

Felsted Pre-Preparatory Department have been busy preparing for the royal visit

Emma Hardwick Thursday, May 1, 2014 10:04 AM Preparations for the Queen’s arrival are well under way in Felsted’s Pre-preparatory department – with pupils making special artwork and costumes for the special occasion.

Felsted Pre-Preparatory Department have been busy preparing for the royal visit

Youngsters have been using all the materials they could get their hands on to make sure Her Majesty has a very royal welcome when she visits the school, along with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, on Tuesday.

The children have created portraits of the Queen using glitter and cotton wool, pictures of the Union Jack and also made their own crowns.

A spokesman for the school said: “Felsted Pre-Preparatory Department has been busy preparing for the Royal visit.

“Their artwork will be part of a display for The Queen. FelsTED, the school mascot, is royally excited about the visit too.”

The monarch is attending a special assembly to mark the school’s 450th anniversary. She will be unveiling two special plaques to commemorate the milestone and for the rebuilding of Follyfield House, which was destroyed by a fire in 2012.

Felsted School headmaster Dr Mike Walker said about the event last week: “To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450-year celebrations.

“The school is busy preparing for this royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be headmaster at this time.”

For those looking to catch a glimpse of the Queen as she drives through Felsted, the best spots will be on Braintree Road and Stebbing Road.

But traffic will be restricted on the day. Braintree Road and Garnetts Lane will be coned off, with a ‘no waiting’ zone, and barriers will be put in place on Stebbing Road during the proceedings.

Chairman of Felsted Parish Council, Graham Harvey, told the Broadcast: “It will be a great event for the village and I am sure everybody in Felsted who lines the streets will have a very enjoyable day.”

Leader of Uttlesford District Council, Jim Ketteridge added: “We are delighted that the Queen will be coming to Uttlesford, and I’m quite sure that she will have a memorable time visiting the historic Felsted School.

“We wish the school all the best for their 450th anniversary year.”

This will be the first time in two decades that Her Majesty has come to Uttlesford. The last time was in 1991 for the opening of Stansted Airport’s £400million terminal and to launch the Stansted Express train from Liverpool Street.

On the same day, she will be attending a service at Chelmsford Cathedral to mark the centenary of the Chelmsford Diocese.

The Royal Visit Royalcentral.co.uk ONLINE – 1st May 2014

Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to visit Essex next week Posted: 1 May 2014 7:21 pm

Cindy Stockman Deputy Editor

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will visit Chelmsford Cathedral in Chelmsford and Felsted School in Dunmow on Tuesday, 6 May.

The Royal couple will first stop at the cathedral to attend a service to mark the Diocese’s centenary year.

“People from all over this vast and diverse diocese, from East London and Essex, will be gathered in our Cathedral church to welcome Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen’s visit is the icing on the cake of our centenary year,” Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford stated.

The Dean of Chelmsford, Nicholas Henshall included: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming the Queen to this special celebration of the extraordinary contribution the churches make to the communities of

Essex and East London.”

The public will be able to listen to the service inside the cathedral through loudspeakers in the cathedral churchyard.

Chelmsford Cathedral is consecrated to St Mary the Virgin, St Peter and St Cedd. In 1914 it became a cathedral due to the creation of the Anglican Diocese of Chelmsford.

The next stop for Her Majesty and The Duke will be Felsted School in Dunmow which is commemorating its 450th year.

The Queen will unveil two commemorative plaques during a school wide assembly in Lord Riche Hall. The hall was opened by The Prince Royal in 1989.

The first plaque will honour the 450th anniversary of Felsted School whilst the second will commemorate the rebuilding of Follyfield House, which was lost in a fire in 2012.

In addition to Princess Anne visiting, The Queen Mother was at the school in 1964 to mark its 400th year.

“To have a reigning monarch visit Felsted School will be the absolute pinnacle of our 450 year celebrations. The school is busy preparing for this royal visit and the children are very excited to be part of this special day. I am very proud and fortunate to be headmaster at this time,” Headmaster Dr Mike Walker commented.

Two of the school’s former pupils have Royal connections. The first being Dr Marcus Setchell who supervised the delivery of Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s son. The second is Oliver Everett, CVO former Royal Librarian to the Her Majesty and now Librarian Emeritus at Windsor Castle.

The Royal Visit ITV Anglia ONLINE – 6th May 2014 6:33am, Mon 5 May 2014 The Queen and Prince Philip visit Essex

Royal visit to newly rebuilt school Last updated Tue 6 May 2014

The school has to be rebuilt after the 2012 fire. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Chefs at a school in Essex, rebuilt following a fire in 2012, are hard at work preparing a special menu for the Queen and Prince Philip.

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh are visiting Felsted School to celebrate its 450th anniversary and the completion of a new boarding house.

The aftermath of the fire. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will have lunch in the Common Room Dining Room before meeting students and staff.

The school choir will also sing a specially-composed anthem, to mark the anniversary.