Given the forecast of overnight drifting snow and blizzards the day began with some trepidation - but the weather improved all through the morning and by the early afternoon it was cold and blustery but at least it was dry. The excitement in the school was building steadily especially with the appearance of both uniformed and plain-clothes policemen and sniffer dogs [who seemed even more excited than the pupils]. More rehearsals and "walk throughs" took place. Flowers and a presentation posy arrived. Name places were put out on seats. The photographers and the royal camera man arrived to check camera positions and lighting. Invited guests, including Trustees, Patrons, local dignitaries and those closely linked with building the school attended a luncheon served in the Pavilion.

By 1.45pm the entire Senior School was seated in St.Nicholas Hall and all the pupils from the Junior School lined the entrance to the school, accompanied by pupils from St.Cuthbert's Primary School in Great Glen. The first sign of the Royal Party was a motorcycle outrider, followed by a dark red Bentley bearing the Royal Standard and arriving at precisely 2pm. All the pupils excitedly waved their flags as Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh got out of the car and they were presented by Lady Gretton, the Lord-Lieutenant and Richard Everard, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant to the welcoming party. This included Tony Kershaw [Chairman of the County Council] and his wife Freda Kershaw, Cllr Brian Smith [Chairman of Harborough District Council] and his wife Frances Smith, Sue Smith [Chief Executive, Harborough District Council], Edward Garnier [M.P for Harborough], Ian Patterson [Chairman of Governors, Leicester Grammar School] and Christopher King [Headmaster and C.E.O, Leicester Grammar School]. The Queen and HRH Prince Philip were then escorted to the school entrance where they were introduced to Rita Patterson and Elizabeth King.

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Once inside the foyer, they were greeted by a trumpet fanfare written especially for the occasion by Dr Whittle and then they were escorted to their seats in St.Nicholas Hall by Rachel Hemingway [Head Girl] and James Holley [Head Boy]. The choir then sang The National Anthem accompanied by the organ followed by a short address of welcome by Ian Patterson . The school choir and ensemble then performed "Agnus Dei" from "A Little Jazz Mass" by Bob Chilcott, a contemporary setting of the Latin Mass, which is sung at School Eucharists and concerts and "Morning Tide" from "Island Songs" by Stephen Leek, arrangements by an Australian composer of traditional songs from the islands north of Australia.

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The Queen and Prince Philip then visited the Music Recital Room and Dr. Whittle was presented before inviting the Royal Party to listen to a short performance of "Stardust" by Hoagy Carmichael (Ted Heath version) by the School’s Dance Band. This was received with great enthusiasm by The Queen and Prince Philip, who requested an encore. At this point, The Queen and Prince Philip then went on separate tours with The Queen being escorted along the corridor and through to Leicester Grammar Junior School to where the Headmistress, Margaret Redfearn was presented. Mrs Redfearn took Her Majesty into the Junior hall to watch a demonstration of rhythmic gymnastics using red, white and blue ribbons, balancing on apparatus and springboard work by Year 2 pupils, and presented by Laura Wilkinson. The Queen was then presented with a posy of flowers by the Junior School Head Girl, Samantha Haynes and Head Boy, Joshua Baddiley. The Queen then visited the 3+ classrooms and was introduced to the teacher in-charge, Rachel Strong who invited Her Majesty to watch the children making Christmas cards and other Christmas decorations. As The Queen left the Junior School the pupils sang a selection of songs which included “Life is So Amazing” [written by James Wright], ”The Not So Boring Minuet” [written by Phylis Wolfe], “This is Our School” [written by Paula Gangar] and “You Are My Strength” [written by Dennis Jernigan] , all conducted by Paula Gangar.

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The Queen returned to the Senior School and the Head of Art, David Maddock was presented and he invited Her Majesty to view a selection of art work completed for the AS level course last year by Hannah Sanderson, Francesca Gangar and George Warner. Mr Maddock also presented the work that had achieved results within the top ten in the country in GCSE Art this year and the students responsible for it, including Lucy Johnson, Maddie Smith and Sally Dacie. At this point, The Queen returned to the school foyer.

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Prince Philip visited the Drama Studio and was introduced to Annette Griffin who invited His Royal Highness to watch the students rehearsing scenes from "The Musicians" by Patrick Marber - one of the plays which is to performed at the end of this term. He then visited the Library and was presented with The Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator, Nick Donnelly and several of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold students including Fiona Coffee [L6], Alex Curtis [L6], Arran Panesar [L6], Joe Postle [U6], Tom Peake [U6], Eloise Barker [U6], David Atter [Past pupil], Tim Rodber [Past pupil] and Sophie Ring [Past pupil]. A short powerpoint presentation was then shown about recent expeditions and D.of E. activities. Prince Philip then presented Bronze awards to Charlotte Atkinson, Anna Batchelor, Alex Chan, Alex Curtis, Jonathan Faire, Sam Neal, Arran Panesar, Oscar Peake, Eleanor Ringland, Adam Shaw, Rebekah Williams, Alex Williams and Henry King. He was then escorted to the Foyer and re-joined The Queen to view an exhibition of photographs showing the old school buildings and photographs from his previous visit to Leicester Grammar School on the 26th February 1999. They were both introduced to Tim Cawston and Alison Shakespeare.

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Finally, in the Foyer, in front of pupils from year 6 and 7 and the non-academic staff, Mr King expressed his thanks to The Queen and His Royal Highness before inviting Her Majesty to unveil a plaque commemorating the opening of the School. She then signed the visitor’s book and a portrait of herself, and Prince Philip signed the book. They were then escorted to their car past students from years 8, 9, 10, 11 and the 6th Form - and it was at this point, on a very special day, that the sun finally came out.

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