Princess Diana opening Chater School in Watford photos

The weather was cold but that didn’t stop crowds the gathering in Addiscombe Road, Watford, to watch Princess Diana arrive to officially open Chater School on February 24, 1988.

A Watford Observer photographer was in attendance to capture the visit as the late Princess of Wales was introduced to governors and dignitaries before embarking on a tour of the new school.

Something or someone in the crowd has caught the Princess's eye (Image: Watford Observer)

“The Princess, dressed in a chic black and white houndstooth check jacket and black skirt, found time to talk to several pupils and teachers during her hour-long visit,” this newspaper reported in its edition of that week.

“Little Nadia Akram and Nasreen Akhtar, both aged ten, were wide-eyed with excitement when the Princess crouched down at their desk for a cosy chat.

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Taking time to talk to the people of Watford (Image: Watford Observer) “‘We were writing our names in Greek and Russian and she was very interested,’ said Nasreen, of Chester Road, Watford.

“Busy pupils were working on a scale model of the new £660,000 school, which clearly impressed the Princess. Hertfordshire County Council is currently working on plans to replace the former Chater schools in Harwoods Road and Southsea Avenue, with modern school buildings.

Delighted onlookers give the Princess a wave (Image: Watford Observer)

“Towards the end of the tour, the entire school congregated in the assembly hall where Princess Diana unveiled a silver plaque and was treated to a burst of music from the school orchestra.”

The Princess then received a gift of a specially-made draughts set from pupils Ajlas Khan and Pavanjeet Sanotra which they asked to be given to Prince William and Prince Harry.

Young members of the crowd were wrapped up warm on the cold February day (Image: Watford Observer)

Our  report continued: “Relieved headteacher Geoff Tither declared the opening a success and praised the Princess for her patience with some of the children who cannot speak English very well.

“‘This has set the school off on the right sort of start. It is a special event that children can look back on and now we can get on with the job of working on the curriculum,’ said Mr Tither.”

Some residents watched on from their doorways (Image: Watford Observer)

The Princess is introduced to school governors and dignitaries (Image: Watford Observer)

Princess Diana is shown a display (Image: Watford Observer)

In conversation with a member of school staff (Image: Watford Observer)

The plaque is unveiled (Image: Watford Observer)

Time for a few more photos as the Princess leaves the school (Image: Watford Observer)

The Princess pictured through the crowds (Image: Watford Observer)

The Princess travelled to Watford in Jaguar (Image: Watford Observer)