IT was a day to remember for Felsted school as they hosted the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as part of their 450th anniversary celebrations.
Homes in Felsted village were bedecked in bunting in anticipation for the visit, which drew hundreds of people to line the approach roads to the school, hoping to catch a glimpse.
Around midday, the couple arrived at the school in the royal Bentley, with former pupil Olivia Jackson, 19, securing a spot in the crowds just where the car pulled up.
Taking advantage of a break from her studies at Nottingham University, she said: "It was very exciting to see the Queen, I've never seen her before and it's brilliant for the school.
"It's a bit surreal."
Her brother Will Jackson, 17, is in the school's cadet force and had been practising for the royal arrival for two weeks.
Their mum Sharon Jackson said: "I'm surprised how close we could get but I guess it's because it's a sleepy village, but it's fantastic for the school.
Headmaster Dr Mike Walker introduced the Queen and duke to various dignitaries, staff and pupils before heading for lunch in the Common Room dining room.
Deputy head boy and girl Luise Bendfeldt, corr 18, and James Halfhide, 18, were among the first to meet the couple as they arrived.
Luise said: "Before this morning I was very nervous then standing beforehand I calmed down, then as she came out of the car again I got very nervous.
"I've been excited but so worried about it."
Remarkably, the royal visit was sandwiched by two exams for Luise.
James said: "Obviously I've had mixed emotions but overwhelmingly excited – it's a one in a lifetime experience, I think we all appreciate here how lucky we are to have the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh here.
"He asked us if we shared the workload and we said 'of course, we're a good team'.
"It was incredible, she must be the most famous person in the world, I just don't know what to say, it was fantastic."
Those joining royalty for lunch had a choice between smoked salmon and asparagus terrine, pheasant smitane with a Madeira, mushroom and cream sauce or spiced pears poached in red wine.
The school's choristers sung grace while diners had the choice of the wines Sancerre La Reine blanche domaine Jean Reverdy et Fils 2012 or Chateau Terte Daugay Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 1998 to wash it down with.
After lunch, the Queen and Prince Philip viewed a display illustrating the history of the school, which included the 2012 Folyfield House boarding house fire, which gutted the building.
Oscar, six, and Grace, seven, spoke to Her Majesty about a 2012 golden jubilee mosaic they helped to make.
Oscar said: "I told her I did most of the black bit in the mosaic – it was really exciting."
The couple were escorted by chairman of governors John Davies, headteacher Dr Michael Walker, along with head boy Samuel Seacombe and head girl Lydia Carrington.
Following a welcome from Mr Davies and an address from Dr Walker, the Queen unveiled plaques commemorating the schools' 450th anniversary as well as the rebuilding of the boarding house.
The school's guest book then received arguably the most famous names it ever will before gifts were given to the visiting couple.
A painting of Felsted School, a leather-bound history of the school and a boot scraper designed and made by students were formally presented to the Queen.
The boot scraper was a nod to the fact that 50 years ago, during the school's 400th anniversary, one was presented to the Queen Mother during her visit.
The couple were given three cheers before leaving to a fanfare and Vivaldi, which was sung by the schools' choirs.
Outside, Mary Alcott from Felsted Pre-Preparatory school presented the Queen with a posy of flowers, while Oliver Stonham from Felsted Preparatory School handed her a FelsTed bear.
Deputy head boy James Halfhide presented the Duke of Edinburgh with a school tie as the school said its farewells.
A cheer erupted from the crowd, some of who had been waiting for more that two hours for her to emerge, as she made her way to the Royal Helicopter.
Head girl Lydia Carrington said: "We had a lot of practice – two hours of rehearsals yesterday.
"But it's all been worth it, I'm never going to forget this day."
Head boy Samuel Seacombe said: "They were such nice people so at ease and completely made you feel at ease," revealing he was so at ease during lunch he almost split food over himself.
The biggest surprise for Dr Walker was how approachable he found the couple.
"I found them so familiar and very relaxed – it was a little bit like talking to my mum, she's the same age as the Queen," he said.
"When they first came in the Duke got me my the shoulders and told me I should be standing over there.
"It just made that contact with him and I thought 'what a great chap' – I'm sorry to see them go."
