Princess Royal Visits Bedford School for Cadet Parade and Memorial Tribute

Bedford School recently hosted a visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who attended the annual inspection of its Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and took part in a commemorative event.

Cadets from Bedford School, Bedford Girls’ School, Bedford Modern School, and Bedford Greenacre Independent School assembled for the Annual General Inspection. After meeting school leaders and cadet commanders, The Princess Royal formally reviewed the parade and watched a march-past on the school grounds.

The event highlighted the cooperation between the four schools, with cadets demonstrating their training and discipline during the inspection.

Following the parade, The Princess Royal visited the school’s Memorial Hall to unveil a new commemorative board. It honours 21 former pupils who died during the First World War, identified through recent historical research carried out by the school and local historians.

Their names have been added to existing memorials that already recognise more than 700 Old Bedfordians lost in both World Wars. The hall itself is marking its centenary this year, underscoring the school’s long tradition of remembrance.