We were saddened to hear of the passing of Katherine, Duchess of Kent, last week. Among the tributes to her, was the acknowledgement of her passion for music and the fact she dedicated many years to teaching music to primary children in Kingston upon Hull, known affectionately as ‘Mrs Kent’.
Our archivist, and alumnus, Laurie King was a member of the choir that performed for the Duchess of Kent when she visited Trinity in 1970. He says, “I remember it very well. We were so privileged to have a royal visit by her, where she toured the school to see the new building in action. The choir photo was taken in the Music Room at the time which became the TV Studio and has just been redone as a new activity studio next to the Sports Club.”
The photographs taken at the time of her visit are shared here and as we looked through them, we wonder how she would have enjoyed seeing the growth of the Music Department at Trinity since her visit. While her surprisingly favoured genre of rap music is less prominent here, the diversity of music and the passion within the department, would surely have made her smile.
Rest in peace Katherine, Duchess of Kent.
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The royal car surrounding by excited Trinity students, outside the main reception.
The Duchess of Kent explores the Science Department.
The Duchess of Kent greets staff including then Trinity Headmaster Oliver Berthoud (far right), who served the school from 1952-1972 and oversaw the move from North End to Shirley Park in 1965 (60 years this year) and the renaming of the school to the Trinity School of John Whitgift in 1954.
Picture above shows the Duchess in the Library (while students casually pretend to read!).
You can also view the letter from the Duchess of Kent to the school, following her visit: Archive letter
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