9 September 2022

It is with great sadness that we all learnt yesterday of the death of our Queen, Elizabeth II, Patron of Berkhamsted School.

Her example of integrity, dedication and service has been an inspiration to us all and a constant in our lives.

I would like to share this photograph from the time of her wonderful visit to the School in 2016, the year of her 90th birthday and the 475th Anniversary of the School, and to share the following Press Statement from Richard Backhouse, Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group.

Brigitta Case, (Norris '80)
President of The Old Berkhamstedians

The governors, staff, pupils, and parents of the Berkhamsted Schools Group were deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We send our condolences to her family, and those who worked with her. We recognise that her death leaves a gap in our national life, but we feel first for those who have lost a mother, grandmother, or family member. We join those in the UK and across the world who will want to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s extraordinary life.

In 2016, we were fortunate to receive a visit from Her Majesty, in her role as Patron of the School. All those involved were struck at her evident interest in those around her, her lively sense of humour and her care for the thriving and wellbeing of young people. Both during the visit and from her public life, we saw Her Majesty the Queen live out a life which was entirely in line with our values – to aim high with integrity, be adventurous and serve others. The entire school community can count itself fortunate to have been ruled and served by a monarch whose example of courage, integrity, service, and kindness was evident to all.

Our schools will mark the passing of Her Majesty with assemblies dedicated to reminding the pupils of her long life, her outstanding example, and her leadership. In our Chapel services in the coming week, we will pray for Her Majesty, for her family, her households, and her friends, recognising the Christian faith which marked her Christmas addresses. We will mark her life with the planting of an English Oak within our grounds, which we trust will stand for centuries as a reminder of her life, her contribution to our country, and her example as a human being.

Richard Backhouse, Principal

If you would like to share any of your royal memories for possible inclusion in this year's OB magazine, please email ob@berkhamsted.com