Really Royal

'You'd have thought she was a favourite granny'

As the head boy said, this was the day the royal in their title came to life. And not one of the 446 children of The Royal Wolverhampton School is likely to forget the day the Queen Mother came to open their new building.

Though the weather was decidedly unfriendly, the royal patron radiated such warmth and enthusiasm that the youngsters needed no cheer-leaders.

The official opening ceremony was brief but impressive. Mr F.O. Skidmore, chairman of the school governors, welcomed the Queen Mother and recalled a little of the school’s history. Before inviting the Queen Mother to unveil a commemorative plaque and declare Clarence House open, he presented her with a brooch made in the shape of the Staffordshire Knot.