Students were put on top security alert today following the announcement that the Earl of Wessex will be opening the new Media Centre at Tremough College. The Earl of Wessex, formally known as Prince Edward, is the youngest son of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and one of the rare members of the royal family to have completed a university degree. The then Prince Edward read history at Jesus College Cambridge where he graduated with a 2:2 Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986.
Officials at University College Falmouth, eager to see the visit run smoothly, are thrilled by the news that, despite the Earl's busy program, he has found time to call in at Tremough.
Vice Principle Professor Eric Spiller told students:
"We are delighted to advise you that HRH The Earl of Wessex will be visiting the new Photography and Media facilities at Tremough."
The visit, which is expected to take place between 2.45pm and 4pm tomorrow has resulted in a huge security operation designed to shield the Earl from attack.
Professor Eric Spiller warned students:
"If you are at Tremough you will need to take account of the security arrangements"
Students studying in the Media and Photography building at the time of the visit are instructed to wear and display their University College Falmouth ID cards and note that access to some areas of the building will be restricted.
Students have also been warned that bags will be searched prior to entry to the building and that once the Earl has arrived they "will not be able to leave" until His Royal Highness has departed.
Student Erik Scott (23) reading English Literature and Creative Writing and Tremough College, was unaware of the Earl's visit, and against the continuing expansion of Tremough college said:
"I didn't know he was coming. I am not sure I agree with all this centralization of academia. I think you are much more likely to have a more creative learning experience if universities are smaller and have colleges in diverse locations. It's like a community of learning versus manufacturing education."
Once the Earl of Wessex has performed the naming ceremony for the new £8 million Media Centre will be called The Peter Lanyon Building in memory of renowned St Ives painter, Peter Lanyon (1918-1964).
According to an e-mail circulated to students at Tremough and University College Falmouth the best opportunity to get a glimpse of The Earl of Wessex will be from the courtyard behind the Media Centre when he departs at around 4pm.
