The Duchess of Cornwall charmed the children when she officially opened the nearest school to her Highgrove home.

The Prince of Wales' wife Camilla chatted to the pupils when she formally launched at the new Rose Hill Westonbirt prep school near Tetbury.

A biting wind caused the Duchess to hurry indoors, straight past Union Jack waving boys and girls, when she began her visit yesterday.

But once inside, and after greetings from civic dignitaries and school chiefs, she took time to talk gently to many of the youngsters.

There was a basket of flowers for the Duchess from twins Isla and Freya Gregory, aged four, from Tetbury.

Then during a tour of the classrooms, and often carefully balanced on infant sized chairs, the Duchess asked the girls and boys about their school work.

She also inquired about what many of them were expecting from Santa for Christmas.

"It was the first time I had met a member of the royal family," said Rose Hill Westonbirt head girl Grace Grundy, 12.

"It has been fantastic. I enjoyed it," said Grace, from North Nibley near Dursley.

Headteacher Neil Shaw, from Nailsworth in Stroud, said the royal visit was a great experience.

"The children have absolutely loved it," he said.

The Duchess listened to a short performance by Rose Hill Westonbirt choir in the school Orangery, unveiled a commemorative plaque and signed the visitors' book before she departed.