Princess Charlotte exhibition

Our History Department brought Claremont’s rich history full circle with a fascinating personal connection to its life as a school today. On 6 November, exactly 208 years after Princess Charlotte’s death at Claremont in 1817, Claremont hosted a special Princess Charlotte Exhibition at lunchtime.

The exhibition offered pupils and parents a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of Princess Charlotte, whose brief but impactful story remains closely tied to Claremont’s heritage. Claremont’s A Level History pupils led a lovely display in the Great Room, guiding visitors through an immersive presentation that brought the past vividly to life.

Exhibition highlights included a fragment of a dress worn by Princess Charlotte from the school archive, her collection of mourning china kept in the Albany classroom, and information boards from a 2012 display on Princess Charlotte at the Royal Pavilion.

We were also delighted to showcase a very special addition this year. During Heritage Open Day in September, we were thrilled to welcome Kate Burvill, a member of the local community, who brought with her a beautifully framed lock of Princess Charlotte’s hair. A note on the back revealed that it had once been given to one of Kate’s ancestors in Claremont’s very own Drawing Room. This remarkable family memento was kindly shared for the exhibition, offering a tangible connection between Claremont’s past and present.

The event was a wonderful reminder of how history continues to live and breathe through the stories and artefacts preserved at Claremont.