PUPILS from Ysgol Penmorfa were part of the congregation at the annual Commonwealth Day service, the first with King Charles as sovereign.
The Prestatyn youngsters joined His Majesty The King,The Queen Consort, members of the Royal Family and 750 school children and young people from across the UK for the service at Westminster Abbey.
Aliyah Grace Kingston, age 11 was posy bearer; she was chosen to represent her home nation of Wales.
Emma Owen, teacher at Ysgol Penmorfa, and eight pupils attended the event.
Aliyah said: “I was nervous at first because I have never met the Princess of Wales before, she is very pretty and important. Also, I had practised my curtsey but I was anxious I would get it wrong.
“Once I had given the flowers to The Princess of Wales I was very excited, she was very kind and she complimented me on my hair and she liked my name. It was lovely to talk to her and she loved her flowers.
"I will definitely be printing out my photograph with her because it was such a special moment for me.
"I felt proud to represent Ysgol Penmorfa and Wales."
The event, which took place on Monday, March 13, is organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society.
The service included musical performances by West End stars Roshani Abbey and Nuwan Hugh Perara; the all-female Amalgamation Choir from Cyprus; and saxophonist YolanDa Brown.
Marking Rwanda’s role as the current Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, there was also a performance by the Rwandan National Ballet, Urukerereza.
Guests of honour among the 2,000 strong congregation included the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Prime Minister of Samoa, High Commissioners, senior politicians, and dignitaries from across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Athletes from the home nations, who competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last summer, and faith leaders also attended.
Ms Owen said: "Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, brought to our attention last year ‘The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition’ which is the worlds oldest international writing competition for schools and has been delivered by the Royal Commonwealth since 1883. Each year, young people write on a theme that explores the Commonwealth’s values and principals.
"Here, at Ysgol Penmorfa we relished in this opportunity and Year Six began exploring this wonderful opportunity to have their North Walian voices heard on a global stage.
"Following on from entering the competition last year, we were invited by the Royal Commonwealth Society to enter a ticket ballot to attend The Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey in which we were successful.
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"I am incredibly proud and privileged to have been able to take a group of pupils from Ysgol Penmorfa to the Commonwealth Celebrations," Ms Owen added.
"It has given the pupils a sense of community and a greater understanding of the world around them.
"It was an incredible opportunity for them to learn about different cultures, traditions and values. The experience will undoubtedly enrich their lives and broaden their perspectives.
"It was also an exceptional moment in their lives to witness the first commonwealth celebration being led by the newly appointed King Charles."
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