The Royal School’s naval heritage and Royal Patronage allows its pupils to be involved in extraordinary events. It was an incredible privilege for The Royal Senior School Choir to attend The Annual National Service for Seafarers (ANSS) at St Paul’s Cathedral, continuing the long standing tradition of Royal School Choirs singing annually at this prestigious event. The service celebrates individuals who have served their time at sea was back again after a three-year pause, due to COVID. Seafarers is a charity which provides for veteran seafarers and those who may be injured in the line of duty.
The service gathers together four naval schools, who provide the music. As well as The Royal School, these include The Royal Hospital School (Ipswich), Pangbourne College and London Nautical School – a staggering 150 singers in total! The Royal School had the great privilege of leading the service this year, meaning that Head of Music, Mr Conley-Harper, had the responsibility of choosing the music, rehearsing the choirs and trumpeters, and conducting the service, with The Royal’s choir leading the way strongly from the front of the main choir stalls.
As ever, HRH The Princess Royal (President of The Royal School) was in attendance. It was an incredibly moving service, made more special when Heads of School, Year 13 students Felicity and Cameron, led the prayers in front of a packed St Paul’s.