Queen was in the driving seat at school

ANDREW and Edward began their education at Heatherdown prep school in Berkshire, where the headmaster was able to observe the Queen’s parenting techniques.

‘Some parents who gave their children to nannies hardly knew their children at all, but the Queen knew hers,’ said the head, James Edwards. ‘She’s very on the ball and is one of the best raconteurs I’ve ever met — terribly funny.

‘Prince Philip appeared, but not as much as the Queen. She determined and controlled their early schooling. I discussed their school reports with her rather than him.’

The Queen didn’t pick up her children on their days out from school, but she always ensured that she took them back.

She’d drive them herself in her green Vauxhall estate car, with her detective sitting beside her. ‘She would always come into my study and have a chat about anything and everything,’ added Mr Edwards.

‘When she talked about the children, she was totally aware of their shortcomings and was extremely patient.

‘One thing she absolutely insisted on, however, was good manners, and it showed.

‘The Queen never let them down. She came to almost every school sports day, play and carol service that we had. And over nine years, that is good.

‘She only missed one — and that was when Edward was playing the part of Saul in The Boy David, and she was on tour in Australia on a State visit. So the Queen Mother came instead.’