The Princess Royal is court assistant to the worshipful company of fishmongers.
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal visited Croydon Minster today to celebrate the Whitgift Foundation’s 400th founder’s day.
Princess Anne was present in her capacity as Court Assistant to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. She attended a service which included performances from the church choir and a school Drum Corps.
Martin Corney, Chief Executive, The Whitgift Foundation, said on the Foundation’s website: “This tradition spanning four centuries is a momentous occasion for all who benefit from The Whitgift Foundation’s charitable work and we are proud that The Princess Royal will be sharing the occasion with us.”
The service, conducted by Reverend Canon Colin J. Luke Boswell, was filled with pupils of Whitgift supported schools and residents of the foundation’s care homes. Bishop of Croydon, Right Reverend Jonathan Clark also addressed the collection of young, old and royal.
Following the service Princess Anne attended a tour and lunch at the nearby Old Palace of John Whitgift School, alongside staff and pupils (see photo below), governors and members of the public.
Dom Clark, a senior prefect at Whitgift School said: “It’s always exciting. When the royals come it’s quite a nice, interesting touch.”
An care home resident added: “It was nice to see her.”
Founder’s day commemorates the day Archbishop John Whigift laid the first stones of the Hospital of the Holy Trinity on March 22, 1596.
Today the Whitgift foundation cares for 100 over-60s in Croydon, and its school’s educate more than 3000 students, 42% of whom receive financial assistance totalling £5million per year.
The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers has supported the Whitgift Founder’s Day service since its inception in 1614 when Dr William Barlow, Chaplain to Mr Whitgift, gifted £100 to them, with the intention of using the interest to pay for the service.
Photo courtesy of Carfax2, with thanks.
Follow us @SW_Londoner
