The Duke of Edinburgh was on hand to open new art, drama and dance facilities at Richmond Adult Community College (Racc) yesterday.
Hand massage: Prince Philip watches on
Prince Philip, who turns 94 tomorrow, declared himself "the world’s most experienced plaque unveiler" as he unveiled a commemorative inscription with a theatrical flourish.
The Queen’s husband laughed and joked with pupils and teachers as he supervised lessons in calligraphy, hand massage and painting, and enjoyed a selection of songs from musical West Side Story, performed by a cast of young people with special educational needs.
After unveiling the plaque, designed and built by calligraphy learner Sue Millar and art technician Sally Norrie, the Duke of Edinburgh told everyone "now get back to work", to the delight of the spectators.
Madeleine Townsend, who is taking a five-year course in calligraphy at the Racc, spoke briefly with the Duke of Edinburgh and said: "He is really nice and very friendly.
"He asked what we were doing before we started he was very interested in what we are studying."
Shelly Pollard, a beauty specialist tutor who was teaching hand massage during Prince Philip’s visit, said: "It was a bit nerve-racking but he is lovely and seemed very relaxed."
Racc holds more than 2,000 courses throughout the year and offers support to those who cannot afford to pay the fees.
MP for Twickenham Tania Mathias said having Prince Philip attend the opening was great for the college and she was very impressed with Racc’s principal, Gabrielle Flint.
She said: "As the Twickenham MP I am so proud to support it and know it is an amazing resource for us."
Dr Mathias said she found it inspiring to see such an incredible performance from the students with special educational needs, some of whom had Down's syndrome.
She said: "I am very proud of the fact that we have got Normansfield Theatre in our borough and this was the place where Langdon Down started his work."
Richmond’s new mayor, Councillor Martin Seymour, was very impressed with how sprightly the Duke of Edinburgh was.
He said: "He is an inspiration. I should hope to be like that when I am his age."
Inspiration: Prince Philip was "sprightly" on his visit, onlookers said
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