Prince Edward goes back to classroom

Prince Edward visited a primary school and community groups in a packed tour of a Black Isle village yesterday.

During his visit the Earl of Wessex met staff and pupils at Cromarty Primary School, spoke to members of The Cromarty Arts Trust and sounded the bells at the historic East Church.

While on his school trip, the Earl helped pupils decorate cakes with Union Jacks and spoke to them about the meaning behind the colours of the flag.

Primary one to three pupils had also painted and displayed their own royal portraits – including one of Prince Edward himself, as well as the Queen, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne.

As the Earl walked past his portrait he said to the youngsters: “Are you responsible for this? Do you think there is a good likeness?” A young girl replied: “Yes, but you are wearing different clothes.”

Prince Edward arrived by helicopter on Cromarty links yesterday afternoon and was met by LordLieutenant Mrs Janet Bowen, who joined him in his tour of the village.

About 60 schoolchildren waved flags as the Earl made his way by car to Victoria Hall – and a piper played in the background as he went inside.

Prince Edward admires a portrait of himself by infant pupils at Cromarty Primary School