Wellington College Celebrates the Official Opening of Elizabeth House by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh

Exciting news comes to us from Crowthorne, where Wellington College marked a new milestone with the official opening of Elizabeth House. This is the College’s 18th boarding house and first co-educational Sixth Form house. The event was celebrated with a special visit from Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, reflecting the College’s rich heritage and ongoing commitment to service, duty and leadership. Read on to discover more about this achievement and the inspiring new chapter it represents for the Wellington community.

On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Wellington College proudly welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh to officially open Elizabeth House, the College’s 18th boarding house and its first co-educational Sixth Form House. 

Elizabeth House is named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, whose enduring relationship with Wellington College is a cherished part of its history. The House name reflects the values of service, duty, and leadership that defined her reign and continue to inspire the College community. 

The Duchess was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try, and introduced to The Master, Mr James Dahl. She met key members of the College leadership team and the Elizabeth House community, including Housemistress Mrs Emmie Bidston, Vice President and Chairman of Governors Mr William Jackson, Second Master Mrs Cressida Henderson, and Group Estates Bursar Mr Ed Wai.

During her visit, The Duchess toured the state-of-the-art facilities of Elizabeth House, guided by Head of House Mia J and fellow pupil Poon T. The tour offered a glimpse into daily life within the House, including shared social areas and a display celebrating the long-standing relationship between the Royal Family and Wellington College. 

Elizabeth House, which opened in September 2024, provides a nurturing environment for up to seventy Sixth Form pupils.  As the College’s first co-educational Sixth Form House, it reflects Wellington’s evolving approach to pastoral care and academic support at this pivotal stage of a pupil’s journey. The House complements the College’s broader Sixth Form provision, which is designed to stretch, support, and inspire students as they prepare for university and life beyond Wellington. Designed with sustainability and wellbeing in mind, the building features communal spaces that foster connection, alongside a calming, woodland-inspired interior palette that echoes the natural surroundings. 

The House is led by Housemistress Mrs Emmie Bidston. Her vision is for pupils to develop character traits akin to those of Queen Elizabeth II: a deep sense of belonging, personal growth, and a commitment to leaving a positive legacy. 

The tour concluded in the Common Room, where HRH engaged warmly with pupils and staff during a drinks reception before returning to the Foyer for the official unveiling of the commemorative plaque. In a brief address, The Master, Mr James Dahl, thanked Her Royal Highness for her support and reflected on the significance of the moment for both the Elizabeth House community and the College as a whole. 

“We were honoured and deeply touched that The Duchess of Edinburgh could be with us for this important and historic moment for the College. The late Queen embodied so many of the qualities which we aim to instil within a Wellingtonian: a lifelong commitment to serving others, an inextinguishable commitment to duty, constancy in the face of an ever-changing world, and unwavering courage, integrity and loyalty to those around us. Importantly, these are qualities which The Duchess of Edinburgh also shares and she could not have done more to put the pupils of Elizabeth House at their ease and learn about their lives in our newest boarding community. It was a very special day which we will all remember for the rest of our lives.” – James Dahl, 15th Master

The opening of Elizabeth House signifies a significant milestone in Wellington College’s history, strengthening its provision for pupils and reaffirming its position as a world leader in boarding education.