Princess Anne, patron of the Benenden Society, returned to her former boarding school, Benenden, in Kent, to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The royal alumna, now 73, attended the school in the 1960s. Her visit included a speech at the Centenary Global Conference “Inspiring Future Female Leaders”.
Princess Anne visits Benenden, her former secondary school
Dressed elegantly in a tartan coat with red accents, Anne shared “memories and experiences from her school days” at the all-girls school, according to a Facebook post by Benenden.
In her speech, she discussed “the changing nature of leadership in the age of social media” and “the role of education in providing skills for life beyond academics.”
The Princess Royal also reflected on “what leadership looks like in the public eye” from her unique perspective as a member of the Royal Family.
As well as speaking at the conference, Anne’s visit included a tour of the Combined Cadet Forces of Benenden and its partner school, John Wallis Academy.
John Wallis’s Principal, Damian McBeath, shared how exciting the royal visit was for the students.
Anne also attended events such as the opening of the Seniors’ Courtyard on campus.
Overall, her inspiring speech and presence celebrated the history and future of Benenden School as it enters its second century of educating young women.