There was a big surprise for the Duchess of Kent when she left the Maritime Museum in Falmouth when she was greeted by her old teacher.

As the Royal couple left the museum greeted by cheering crowds, Kate was surprised by Jim Embury, a former teacher from her prep school.

Falmouth Packet: The Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall while in Cornwall, talk with an old school teacher of the duchess, following a tour of the National Maritime Museum CornwallThe Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall while in Cornwall, talk with an old school teacher of the duchess, following a tour of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall (Image: PA)

Kate said “Oh my goodness” and hugged Mr Embury, now a volunteer at the museum, before exclaiming: “I do recognise you.”

“I remember the classroom and everything,” she told him. “Are you based here now? And you are volunteering here? Wow. That is such a small world.

“I’m trying to teach my daughter all the things you probably taught me.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Embury said he taught Kate history in the mid 1990s.

When asked what sort of pupil she was, he replied: “I have to say fantastic.

Falmouth Packet: The Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall while in Cornwall, talk with an old school teacher of the duchess, following a tour of the National Maritime Museum CornwallThe Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall while in Cornwall, talk with an old school teacher of the duchess, following a tour of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall (Image: PA)

“It was a great class and she was a great participant and a great kid. It was 25 years ago.”

Falmouth Packet:

In November, William made his first official visit to Cornwall since becoming Duke of Cornwall.

He met staff, volunteers and young people at Newquay Orchard, which offers environmental education, employability training and community events.

William became heir apparent, and known as the Prince of Wales, after the death of his grandmother and the accession of his father, Charles, to the throne.

He also inherited the title Duke of Cornwall and is now Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge.

Kate is now known as the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.