THE Princess Royal visited King Edward’s School, Witley last Thursday, on the Queen’s birthday.

Princess Anne, who is the Patron of the Royal National Children’s Foundation (RNCF), meet pupils who are supported by the charity at the school.

Originally founded in 1827, the RNCF supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children facing crisis at home by enabling them to attend boarding or day school.

King Edward’s currently educates 46 RNCF beneficiaries – the highest number of any school the charity works with.

While visiting the school, The Princess Royal heard stories of four pupils whose lives had been turned around thanks to RNCF and their time at King Edward’s.

She toured the school and met pupils listening to a samba drumming demonstration, as well as a saxophone and wind workshop.

The Princess said: “It was a pleasure to hear from beneficiaries of the Royal National Children’s Foundation. These pupils encapsulate exactly what the RNCF is trying to achieve and I was very impressed by them.”

RNCF chief executive 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 the school. 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 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 Her Royal Highness’ visit 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.”

Surrey’s Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux, the High Sheriff of Surrey, Elizabeth Kennedy, county council chairman, Sally Marks and Waverley’s Deputy Mayor Chris Storey were in attendance during the Royal visit.

• The RNCF was founded in 1827 by Dr Andrew Reed, with Queen Victoria as its patron. The charity is entirely voluntary funded, and depends on the generosity of supporters to continue its vital work.

The Bridewell Foundation, set up by King Edward VI in 1553, raises money for the provision of bursaries to help pay the fees of children in need of a boarding style of education to study at King Edward’s, Witley.

Every year it helps 100 pupils from the UK to attend the school.