The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have paid a surprise visit to Western Sydney – with Premier Gladys Berejiklian introducing the Royal couple to stunned students at Parramatta’s Macarthur Girls High School.
Ms Berejiklian spoke to the students about the importance of education and their HSC exams – before revealing Their Royal Highnesses during a special assembly.
"It was an absolute pleasure to introduce Their Royal Highnesses to the girls – they were absolutely thrilled and surprised," Ms Berejiklian said.
"I know The Duke and Duchess share my passion for education.
"Arrangements for the visit had been kept tightly under wraps so as not to disturb the students’ preparation for their HSC examinations.
"We know that the girls at Macarthur Girls High School, and students right across NSW, have been working incredibly hard for their exams and the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was a fitting reward for their work.
"Of course, the Royal couple are here for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and it is important that students have a chance to learn about the values that the Games impart.
"The Invictus Games demonstrate the value of sport and mateship, the importance of honouring our veterans and the inspirational determination and courage of the Games competitors."
During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses visited a classroom at Macarthur Girls High School where they heard from students working on projects focused on social justice and youth empowerment.
"It was inspiring to see how these students are leading the way as advocates of positive change in their local community," Education Minister Rob Stokes said.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then joined students from neighbouring schools involved in the NRL’s ‘In League in Harmony’ workshop where they participated in group discussions around the values of courage and leadership.
