Thursday's royal visit will be the Queen's first to Stowe School and Landscape Gardens and will give headmaster Dr Anthony Wallersteiner an opportunity to discuss the school's multi-million pound expansion plans.

The Queen will be opening the first of two new boarding houses for girls, the second is still in the development stage, and plans are in place for a new state-of-the-art music school and improved sporting facilities on the site.


Dr Wallersteiner, said the modernisation and expansion plans are all part of the school's move to develop a centre of excellence in Buckinghamshire and his invitation to the Queen was timed to coincide with the opening of the first of these new buildings

He said: "I wrote to Her Majesty and reminded her of a meeting we had about five years ago when she expressed an interest in Stowe and its history.

"I waited for an opportunity which may appeal to the Queen, and it seemed opening our new girls' boarding house and naming it in her honour was the best time.
"We are delighted the Queen has accepted our invitation.
"It is going to be a great occasion for the school and wonderful for the girls of our new boarding house to have the opportunity to meet Her Majesty."

The two new boarding houses for girls are part of the school's move to make all year groups at Stowe co-educational.
Each boarding house will hold 60 boarders and 10 day girls and will be in use from January 2008 and January 2009 respectively.

The buildings have been designed by American architect Rick Mather, who is known for putting a modern twist on traditional design.
Dr Wallersteiner added: "Rick has used original materials like stone but fused the traditional style with the modern, which fits in very well with the surroundings of Stowe.

"The new building's opening will be a day for everyone and a rare opportunity for the people of Buckingham to see the Queen and Prince Philip.
"We hope as many people as possible will come and help us celebrate this royal occasion."

26 November 2007