Their Royal Highnesses Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visited Trinity on 1st February 2018. Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, had come to Sri Lanka to represent Her Majesty at the 70th Independence Day Celebrations as the Chief Guest.
The visit commenced at the Junior School gate where the Earl and Countess were met by Principal Mr. Andrew Fowler-Watt. They were welcomed by the Junior School traditional drum troupe procession which led them in to the school, here they were greeted by the Cub Scouts’ Grand Howl.
The Earl and Countess spoke to many Junior School students throughout the visit and they happily and confidently engaged with the Royal guests.
The Earl and Countess were shown around an arts and science exhibition in the lobby of the Oorloff Building. Afterwards, they opened the new ‘Trinity College London A Level Section’.
From the Junior School, the Earl and Countess were escorted to the Chapel where the College Cadet Corps received them in a Guard of Honour.
After their arrival inside the the Chapel, “God Save the Queen” was sung, led by the College Choir.
A talk was given by Master Shihan Maharoof on the history of the Trinity Chapel, which also mentioned the coats and arms of the British Colleges carved on the pillars.
After the talk, the College Choir sang the “Hallelujah Chorus”, conducted by the Principal.
The Earl and Countess then signed the College Guest Book – the same book which Queen Elizabeth II signed in 1954. They were then escorted to the Chapel lawn, where the Kandyan Dance Troupe gave a performance.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex then spent some time with the Heads of the School and Special Invitees before their departure.