FROM one Edward in memory of another, The Earl of Wessex went back to school yesterday to mark 450 years of learning in Southamp-ton.
June 4, 1553, saw the foundation of the city's oldest school by the teenage King Edward VI using money left by the rector of St Mary's Church, William Capon.
Four hundred and fifty years later to the day, the king's namesake, Prince Edward, marked King Edward VI School's Founder's Day. Driving his own Rover car, the Prince pulled up outside the independent mixed school in Wilton Road, Shirley, to be greeted by new Southampton mayor Parvin Damani, the school's headmaster Julian Thould, chairman of governors Brian Gay and a throng of 100 expectant first years.
Dressed in a grey check suit, the prince helped to unveil an abstract £7,500 stained glass commemoration window designed by Southampton artist Dr Nigel Ingram, from Bassett, which sits in pride of place in the school tower. Pupils watched the unveiling of the two metre high window, which incorporates images of the school's four sites in the city during the 450 years, via live intranet video link-up at points across the campus.
Remarking how vivid the window was the Prince wished the pupils luck in their exams and for those finishing their school careers.
Before leaving headboy Alex Kaderbhai, 18, and deputy head Alice Johnston, 18, presented him with a framed copy of the stained glass window.
Then it was off for a guided tour around one of Hampshire's premier vineyards at Wickham. The prince was shown how Hampshire grown grapes are turned into some of the best wine in the country. He tasted a glass of Wickham Vineyard's finest special release Fum - that sells over 15,000 bottles a year and is supplied to the House of Commons - and commented on its good taste.
Vineyard owner Angela Channon said: "I gave him the guided tour and he seemed really interested in the process. It's great that he is supporting local wine growers."
While sipping his glass of wine the prince met with members of Hampshire Fare to give his backing to this year's Hampshire Food festival from June 28 to July 6.
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