King Charlesโ€™ oak tree planted at Duchy College

Posted: 19th October 2026

An oak tree which King Charles presented by to Duchy College in Harrogate during his visit in May has been planted in the schoolโ€™s grounds.

The tree was one of just 80 presented ahead of the Kingโ€™s 80th birthday in November 2028.

It came at a special time for the private boarding and day schoolย  which has just changed its name from Harrogate Ladiesโ€™ College.

Joanna Fox, Principal at Duchy College, said. โ€œWe are delighted to have been gifted this oak tree, which will take pride of place in our grounds and provide a lasting reminder of what was a very special occasion.

โ€œHis Majestyโ€™s visit came at a particularly significant time in our schoolโ€™s history, as we were embarking upon an exciting new chapter as Duchy College.

โ€œHaving been planted in the first year of Duchy College, the tree carries a wonderful sense of history and symbolism. It will grow and flourish alongside generations of pupils, becoming a lasting part of our school community.โ€

During the Kingโ€™s visit, the College Chapel Choir sang With A Voice of Singing and the Sevenfold Amen for, while Year 6 pupils performed songs from their production of Looking Good, Robin Hood.

The school has begun a phased transition to fully co-educational education for pupils aged 2โ€“18, with boys joining Year 7 and Year 12 in 2026.

Categories: Duchy College School News