THE Prince of Wales could become this century's first royal composer when he visits The Purcell School in Bushey today (Friday).

Prince Charles, who has been patron of the prestigious music school since 1984, will open its new premises in Aldenham Road this morning.

The heir to the throne will then try penning a composition by choosing a few notes. Pupil Andrew Joyce, 15, will turn these selected notes into a theme using a special computer programme and, within 40 minutes, produce a complete piece of music for the Prince to take away with him.

Another pupil, Mitra Alice Tham, 16, will produce another piece of music by improvising with the same notes.

The last known royal composer was Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort, who began to compose before the age of 18 and wrote 40 complete songs.

More than three centuries earlier, Henry VIII is thought to have composed Greensleeves.

Prince Charles has shown great interest in The Purcell School, which is renowned for its education and training of young musicians of outstanding talent and promise from all over the world.

In 1995, he hosted a special luncheon and concert at St James's Palace to launch the appeal to raise funds to find new premises.

The school's royal links were reinforced when it was asked to provide music for two of the Investiture ceremonies at Buckingham Palace in 1996 and 1997.

According to a spokesman, pupils and staff are looking forward to welcoming their special visitor today and showing him around the school.

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