PRINCE Andrew visited a girls’ school last week to open their new £2.5million sports hall.

The Duke of York visited the Marist School on Wednesday, March 1 to mark the grand opening of the stunning new facility which has taken more than 12 months to build.

Pupils waving Union Jacks lined the school drive to welcome his Royal Highness before he met key representatives of the school.

“It was a great day for Marist history,” said principal Karl McCloskey. “This is our 70th year in Sunninghill and it was lovely to welcome his Royal Highness back to the Marist.

“Our school motto is ‘the best advert for the Marist is a Marist girl’ and today, as usual, the girls did us proud. The Duke was very impressed with the work he saw.”

A tour of the school, led by head girl Imogen Naldrett, was given to the Duke before he made his way to the new hall for the official opening ceremony.

Speeches were given by former Marist pupil and professional netball player Sophia Candappa, while emerging swimming talent Lucy Campbell spoke passionately about what it takes to make it as an athlete.

It is the second visit Prince Andrew has paid to the school to open a new facility, having previously opened their swimming pool some years ago.

Pupils also performed eye-catching dance and gymnastics routines as part of the opening ceremony which was watched by hundreds.

The Duke then unveiled the official plaque to open the sports hall, which boasts an upstairs viewing gallery, a state-of-the-art fitness suite and classrooms.

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Photos: The Marist School.