Students Support Royal Visit

Year 13 student Ella Jones had the distinguished honour of serving as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for County Durham during the recent Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral, attended by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Ella was appointed as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet in March after being recommended by her Officer in Command at Air Cadets for her service within the cadet forces. This prestigious role involves supporting the Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Sue Snowdon, at official engagements throughout the year, including royal visits and civic ceremonies.

The appointment as Lord-Lieutenant Cadet is one of the highest honours a cadet can achieve by the cadet forces. The cadet’s responsibilities encompass bridging the gap between the armed forces and the local community.

On 17 April, Ella accompanied Mrs Snowdon in welcoming Their Majesties to the Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral, as part of the royal Easter celebrations. In this special service, the King distributed commemorative coins to 76 men and 76 women – the same number as his age – to thank them for service to their local community and charity.

Reflecting on the experience, Ella expressed immense pride in representing both the cadet forces and youth of County Durham at such a prestigious occasion. “To salute and shake Their Majesties hands was an amazing honour and to be a part of history, as the monarch last visited Durham in 1967 for this special service” explained Ella.

Ella, a former Hermitage Academy student, is currently studying A-level History, Biology and PE and is hoping to progress to University of York to study History and then into the Armed Forces to become an officer.

Congratulations on this esteemed role and supporting this special Royal visit to Durham. We wish you the best of luck with university and gaining a place in the Armed Forces in the future.