THE Royal School has welcomed retired admiral Sir Ian Garnett, who opened the Prince of Wales boys’ boarding house last Thursday.

Sir Ian joined the Royal Navy in 1962 serving on many ships, including the Royal Yacht Britannia.

He had a long and illustrious career, including appointments as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic for NATO and the Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

He retired in 2004 and lives in Haslemere. Sir Ian met staff and boys and gave a brief speech.

He congratulated everyone involved in the project, with special mention of the maintenance team who worked tirelessly over the summer holidays to create a “wonderful new environment for the boys”.

Sir Ian went on to offer the new boy boarders a few words of encouragement and advice, saying boarding would help them to be tolerant of others; allow them to understand the importance of teamwork and give them a great many opportunities to be involved with school life and extra-curricular activities.

The boys’ boarding house is named after the new Royal Navy aircraft carrier, the Prince of Wales, and is in part of the historic Stoatley Hall in Farnham Lane.

Boys can board in years seven to 11 with a small number of additional beds for day boys wishing to flexi-board.

Prince of Wales House is run by Mr and Mrs Balmer, who are experienced house parents and who are excited to be looking after the new boarding house.