Francis Holland Schools have long held a special connection to the Royal Family, as our founder Canon Francis Holland was appointed Chaplain to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s sense of service, duty and integrity is therefore embedded in the Schools’ core values, and our entire FHS Community is deeply saddened to hear of this news.

Our Headmistress Mrs Woodcock led a poignant assembly this morning in which we observed a minute of silence, sang I Vow to Thee My Country and listened to the National Anthem. The students were reminded of Her Majesty’s momentous 70-year reign, pledging herself to a life of service aged just 25. The Union Jack flies at half mast outside the School as a mark of respect for Her Majesty’s passing, and today we join together in mourning as a community.

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time. May Her Majesty rest in peace.