Queen Camilla had an eventful Tuesday (February 4) while spending time with students at the newly opened Mulberry Academy in London Docks.
Photos from Hello! Magazine show the Queen competing in a tabletop grand prix against students, enjoying a fireworks show, and admiring Bunsen burners and other scientific equipment while visiting the school's laboratories.
Camilla was quite generous with her time, as she engaged with those around her throughout the entire visit. Instead of waiting passively until each activity was prepared for her, the Queen conversed with students and teachers as they set things up. This led to Camilla learning more about the Mercedes Benz Grand Prix's scheme to help students learn more about robotics.
An unexpected chance to show off some new skills
The Mercedes Benz Grand Prix's educational scheme teaches students how to build robotic cars and the tracks needed to race them. Queen Camilla observed the students' skills while they assembled their vehicles and built a racetrack that stretched across multiple tables.
Once things were ready, Queen Camilla took a replica car and squared off against an 11-year-old racer named Mahiri. Hello! Magazine writes that Queen Camilla barely won the contest and told her opponent "I can’t believe I beat you. You were being very kind."
Fireworks and grand performances aplenty
After wrapping up on the track, the Queen was treated to a performance by a group of male singers who performed "My Shot" from the musical Hamilton. Hello! Magazine reports that the Queen complimented the young men's performance and told them that she couldn't stop clapping her hands and tapping her feet while enjoying the show.
Once the music stopped, the fireworks began. A visual presentation demonstrating the school's pyrotechnics wowed the viewers in attendance and highlighted how much was invested in ensuring the students enrolled had access to a top shelf education.
After the festivities were over, the Queen cut the ribbon signifying the official opening of Mulberry Academy.
Queen Camilla's adventurous day at school is great news for multiple reasons. Last November, the Queen missed the Festival of Remembrance because of a seasonal chest infection. Now, however, her ability to participate in a full day of events with children shows that she has the energy and health needed to manage her public schedule.
The CEO of the Mulberry Schools Trust, Dr. Vanessa Ogden, was very appreciative of the Queen's appearance. In a statement, Ogden said that "Her Majesty’s presence was a tremendous honour and a testament to the exceptional work of our students, staff and community" and thanked the "delivery partners involved in the school build whose support was instrumental in bringing this vision to life."