He is said to have described his experience at Gordonstoun as ‘Colditz in kilts’.
And while the school strongly disputes that he ever said this, it appears the King’s views on his alma mater have softened recently.
For the monarch has accepted a prestigious patronage at Scotland’s educational institution to mark the first anniversary of his coronation.
The role at the Gordonstoun Association, which exists to strengthen the links between the school and its former pupils and staff, was previously held by his father and fellow former pupil Prince Philip.
Although he has made several personal visits since leaving as a pupil in 1967, the announcement represents His Majesty’s first official link with the school on the north coast of Scotland.
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, arriving in 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 in a school rather than taught at home. He was present between 1962 and 1967, leaving as House Captain and Guardian (Head Boy) with five O levels.
While it is unclear whether Charles actually compared his time at school to the infamous POW camp, many biographers have recorded how he felt “abandoned” and begged his parents to get him out. However, Charles has gone on to say that he is ‘glad I went to Gordonstoun’.
The school’s principal, Lisa Kerr, said: ‘As our most prominent former pupil, His Majesty exemplifies so many of the qualities we seek to instill in our pupils, particularly a lifelong commitment to service.’
A Gordonstoun spokesperson 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, in the presence of the King. Although Buckingham Palace has had to cancel dozens of events due to the general election, the ceremony will remain unaffected.