Prince Charles looked thrilled to be back in the classroom for one day as he paid a visit to the King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon on Monday. The future King, 65, was making the visit to meet students and teachers and to view the classroom where William Shakespeare is believed to have studied. Getting into character for their royal visit, scores of schoolchildren dressed up in full Tudor costume for their Latin lesson. Charles sat in and proved quite a hit with the youngsters as he played along with the act, reading from a book and sitting at a wooden desk.
Prince Charles sits in William Shakespeare's classroom
The royal was then treated to an extract of a performance of Galatea by other students from the school. Before leaving, Charles signed the visitor book and officially reopened the Guild Chapel, which had undergone renovation. The Prince, who had made a donation to the new organ, also unveiled the impressive new instrument. During his day out in Stratford-upon-Avon, Charles also visited The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Arriving to a swarm of wellwishers, he greeted about 100 locals who had gathered to see him and was then led inside to watch a performance of Henry IV Part I.
Prince Charles watches a performance of Galatea
Charles met cast members including Paola Dionisotti, Antony Sher, Simon Yadoo, Joshua Richards, Alex Hassell and Trevor White after the show. Also while on his educational visit, the heir to the throne travelled nearby to Warwick School and Warwick Castle, which are both celebrating their 1,100th anniversaries this year. Charles was given a particularly warm welcome at the school, beaming away as the pupils gave him three cheers. "What a great pleasure it is to join you all and what a special year it is for the school," said the Prince from a balcony. "I am still trying to work out if it really is 1,100 years old, but I have been reliably informed that this is the case.
Prince Charles meets cast members at the RSC
"My grandmother came here in 1958 when I was ten years old, so it is a pleasure for me to see it for myself. On this occasion, I wanted to wish the whole school every possible success in the future, in the hope that by coming here I have not caused much disruption in terms of your academic studies. "I do hope you have great successes. Nothing could give me greater pleasure than to unveil this plaque. Many happy returns on your anniversary."