• Click here for our gallery of pictures from the event.

A VISIT by a princess ensured a Worcester school celebrated 450 years of royal approval in style yesterday.

Princess Anne visited RGS Worcester, in Upper Tything, to mark the 450th anniversary of the school’s first Royal Charter – granted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1561.

After arriving by helicopter on the school’s nearby playing field in Flag Meadow Walk, the Princess Royal was welcomed to the school by headmaster Andy Rattue, along with the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Lady Rosalind Morrison, the Mayor of Worcester Councillor Dr David Tibbutt and Mayoress Jane Tibbutt, managing director of Worcester City Council Duncan Sharkey and Worcester MP Robin Walker.

During her visit, the Princess met the school’s head boy and girl, Oliver Hamilton and Michaela Lucas, who told her about the history of the school and its recent merger with the neighbouring Alice Ottley School.

Miss Lucas, aged 17, said: “We had some photos which we showed her of the merger and how it’s been really beneficial. We spoke about extra-curricular activities and how it’s beneficial that we’re near town.

“She was very nice, very talkative. She knew quite a lot about the school.”

Afterwards, the Princess – wearing a green overcoat with black velvet trim and a bright scarlet scarf – was shown an Alice Ottleians and Old Elizabethans’ Association Display and an exhibition about charity fund-raising.

She was also introduced to engineering students for an engineering and physics exhibition.

She was then taken to the Cobham Hall sports hall to see pupils practise lacrosse stick skills and rugby handling drills. The Princess Royal was later given a presentation about the school’s Black Pear tree – the famous symbol of Worcestershire – by deputy head boy and girl, Tom Weatherby and Sophie Feek, after which she unveiled a plaque commemorating her visit and the anniversary.

Miss Feek, aged 17, said: “It’s a symbol of Worcestershire. When Queen Elizabeth I came to the county, she came to these grounds and saw the pear tree. She said it was so beautiful.

“It came from Normandy and it was declared that it should be the crest of the school and of Worcestershire.”

Following the visit, headteacher Mr Rattue said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to welcome Princess Anne to the school and I’m so delighted that she had the chance not only to meet our pupils but also friends of the school.

“I was astonished that she’s so knowledgeable about the Worcester area.”

Before visiting RGS Worcester, the Princess toured the Community Service Volunteers training centre in Redditch. She was shown a new kitchen and community café to help train 16-19-year-olds with catering skills, as well as the centre’s craft and design and IT departments.

• Click here for our gallery of pictures from the event.