Pupils from Royal Hospital School (RHS), Ipswich, were invited to be part of the proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III at the weekend.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk requested their presence at the 11 September ceremony, in order to add Royal Navy representation to a military guard of honour alongside the army and Royal Air Force.
The proclamation of King Charles III was read from the balcony of Ipswich town hall by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Major Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former principal private secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke of Sussex.
RHS’ involvement in Sunday’s proceedings followed the school’s honouring of Queen Elizabeth II on Friday, when pupils gathered to raise the flag and then lower it to half-mast to pay their respects.
The whole school later assembled in the chapel for a short service, where the Queen’s banner has been placed on the school’s ceremonial drums in front of the altar as a mark of respect.
“At the Royal Hospital School, we have been incredibly grateful for the personal interest Her Majesty has shown in our school,” said RHS head, Simon Lockyer. “We are very proud of our association with the Royal Family over many years, making this news all the more keenly felt.
“Her inspirational leadership and immense personal integrity have been examples to successive generations – a true stateswoman who has steered her family, the nation, the Commonwealth and all its people through periods of historic change, guided by her Christian faith. The example she has set of dedication and service has been an enduring feature of her reign.
“Our community of former and current pupils, parents, governors and staff extend our thoughts and prayers to her family and all those who share in the loss and profound sadness at the passing of our treasured and much-loved monarch.”
The RHS chapel is set to remain open for personal prayer and quiet reflection throughout the 10-day period of national mourning.
The school has created two books of condolences – one at reception, the other in the chapel – to allow staff and pupils to share their thoughts.
Main pic: The Queen’s banner has been placed on the school’s ceremonial drums in front of the chapel altar as a mark of respect
In related news: Gordonstoun mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II
