A Royal Visit

From the Annual Report 1978/79:

The Prince of Wales visited the College on Speech Day, 5 July, and informally re-opened it on its new site. He arrived by helicopter in the College grounds amidst a flurry of flying hats, spread enthusiasm and good humour on his tour of some of the departments, listened to a concert, gave away the prizes and made a graceful speech, unveiled a plaque and departed through a maze of Morris dancers and tongue-tied primary school children.

The Prince of Wales was welcomed by the President of the College, Lord Howard de Walden, and in the course of his reply he said:

'I am fascinated to find that it is virtually a hundred years ago, by four days I think, that my great-great-grandfather came when he was Prince of Wales in 1879, and I think it is marvellous that such a College as this should have been going for so long. This just shows what determination and far-sightedness can achieve - even though it had to be an American who started it in the first place.'

I have been enormously impressed going round and seeing the students at work and what they have to do. What I always love myself anyway is enthusiasm. I think this is the great quality of the College; the enthusiasm and motivation on the part of all those who live and work and learn here.

The great strength of this College is that it does give people the essential start in life, particularly for those who are determined to overcome their handicaps. I would like to offer my very best wishes, and trust that the College goes from strength to strength, and that the right amount of money is found quickly to provide the facilities that are really necessary in this particular College.'

His Royal Highness subsequently honoured the College by accepting the office of Vice Patron; the fourth Prince of Wales to do so.