HM Queen requested to keep memento on city school visit

A FORMER headteacher has shared his memories of the time Queen Elizabeth II visited a Plymouth primary school – and asked to keep a memento.

- ZHARA SIMPSON

Chris Watts, 68, was headteacher at North Prospect Primary School for 16 years and described the visit in 1999 as a “truly memorable day for the school”.

Her Majesty spent 40 minutes at the school, visiting classrooms, and meeting staff, pupils, and parents. Mr Watts explained how she was tremendous with the pupils, asked lots of questions, and showed interest in the school.

A year of preparation was required before The Queen’s visit, learning the protocols and the correct way to address her. However, when the day came, Mr Watts said her relaxed manner was infectious. He described Queen Elizabeth II as easy to talk to, adding that the pupils “spoke to her like they had known her for a long time”.