He was reported to have described his experience at Gordonstoun as “Colditz in kilts”.
And although the school firmly denies that he ever said this, it seems that the King’s opinion of his alma mater has softened recently.
Because the monarch has accepted a prestigious sponsorship at the Scottish educational center on the occasion of the first anniversary of his coronation.
The role in the Gordonstoun Association, which exists to strengthen links between the school and its former pupils and staff, was previously held by his father and former pupil, Prince Philip.
Although he has made several personal visits since leaving his post as a pupil in 1967, the announcement represents Her Majesty’s first official link with the school on Scotland’s north coast.
Prince Charles (now King Charles III), with his father, the Duke of Edinburgh (left) and Captain Iain Tennant, Chairman of the Gordonstoun Board of Governors, arrive at Gordonstoun for the Prince’s First Day in 1962.
Queen Elizabeth II visits Gordonstoun during Prince Charles’s final year in 1967
The monarch has accepted a prestigious patronage at Gordonstoun School to mark the first anniversary of his coronation.
Charles, then Prince of Wales, was the first future British monarch to be educated at school rather than tutored at home. He attended between 1962 and 1967, leaving as House Captain and Head Boy with five O levels.
While it is unclear whether Charles actually compared his time at school to the famous prisoner of war camp, many biographers have recorded how he felt “abandoned” and begged his parents to get him out. However, Charles went on to say that he is “glad we went to Gordonstoun”.
School principal Lisa Kerr said: “As our most outstanding alumni, Her Majesty exemplifies many of the qualities we seek to instil in our students, particularly a lifelong commitment to service.”
A spokesman for Gordonstoun said it has never been independently verified that the King used the phrase “Colditz in kilts” and believes it “misrepresents student life at the school during this period”.
Trooping the Color will take place on Saturday, June 15 with the King in attendance. While Buckingham Palace had to cancel dozens of events as a result of the general election, the ceremony will not be affected.