HRH The Princess Royal met secondary school pupils supported by the Royal National Children’s Foundation (RNCF) recently, at a special event hosted by King Edward’s Witley.
The Introduction Day was held to enable the RNCF’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, to meet children supported by the charity. Originally founded in 1827, the RNCF supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children facing crisis at home by enabling them to attend boarding or day school. The day was held at King Edward’s Witley, a co-educational boarding and day school, as King Edward’s currently educates 46 RNCF beneficiaries – the highest number of any school the charity works with.
While visiting King Edward’s, The Princess Royal heard the stories of four pupils whose lives had been turned around thanks to the help of the RNCF and their time at King Edward’s. She also toured the school and met a range of RNCF beneficiaries and King Edward’s pupils. During her tour, she listened to a samba drumming demonstration, as well as a saxophone and wind workshop held by a range of RNCF beneficiaries and King Edward’s pupils.
Speaking at the event, HRH The Princess Royal said: “It was a pleasure to hear from beneficiaries of the Royal National Children’s Foundation at King Edward’s. These pupils encapsulate exactly what the RNCF is trying to achieve and I was very impressed by them.”
Chief Executive of the RNCF, Geoffrey Dennis, said: “This special event was a wonderful opportunity for our Royal Patron to learn about the transformational work of the Royal National Children’s Foundation at King Edward’s Witley, and to meet pupils who have benefited from the wonderful partnership between the charity and King Edward’s Witley. The children who met and interacted with our patron will never forget this day.
“The event also provided the RNCF with an opportunity to highlight the effectiveness of our work and our need for more support to meet growing demand for our services. The RNCF is funded entirely by voluntary donations, and we rely on the generosity of supporters to continue our work.”
Headmaster of King Edward’s, John Attwater, said: “King Edward’s was delighted to host The Princess Royal and give her the opportunity to learn first-hand about the School and meet some of our fantastic pupils, many of whom we support with the RNCF. The school is extremely proud of its longstanding heritage looking after, educating and supporting talented children in need of a boarding school education. I hope that Her Royal Highness’ visit today not only allowed her to see our wonderful facilities and resources, but underlined our belief that all children deserve the very best opportunities in their education and our commitment to finding ways of providing those opportunities to everyone, no matter their background or circumstances.”
