As a School community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022. We send our sympathies to her family at this sad time and wish to honour and reflect on the remarkable life that she led.
As the School mourns, Chapel services are being held for pupils across the School today, inviting them to pray and light a candle in her memory.
Headmaster Henry Price expressed his respect and gratitude for the life of The Queen. He said: “At this time of mourning our hearts are open to the many emotions that we will feel as we unite in loss and celebration of the inspirational life of our late Queen.”
In this momentous period of sadness, it is important that we reflect on the life of Her Majesty with respect and gratitude. We were fortunate enough to welcome The Queen to our School twice throughout her reign.
The Queen first visited in summer 1967 with the Duke of Edinburgh and was greeted by 3,000 pupils from schools across Rutland. The Oakham School Concert Band played the national anthem, and the Royal Standard was broken at the cricket pavilion’s flag post.
Her Majesty then revisited Oakham School in November 1984, as we celebrated our Quatercentenary. Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the royal couple spent the morning at the School, where they were given a tour around the Old Hall, the Biology Wing and Buchanans House. The Queen opened our much-loved Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and pupils performed a short 15-minute play in her honour.
In this sad and historic period, may Her Majesty The Queen rest in peace and forever be honoured and remembered for her dedication to our country.
