The Earl of Wessex chats to excited schoolchildren on Braye Common yesterday. (0801480)

THE Earl of Wessex reacquainted himself with an old school friend during the couple’s visit to Alderney yesterday.

After talking to numerous children, the Earl bumped into Michael James, who spends six months a year in Alderney.

Prince Edward shook hands with his former school chum and urged him to visit the Channel Islands more often.

‘I went to Gordonstoun School with Edward from the age of 13 to 18,’ said Mr James

‘We were in the same house, Duffus. It was good to see him again.

‘I told him he would enjoy coming to the Channel Islands on private visits.’

Scores of islanders, holidaymakers and schoolchildren warmed up for the couple’s arrival by chanting their names and enthusiastically waving Union Jack flags.

The special visitors arrived on Braye Common shortly after 2.30pm – just moments after clouds had cleared and sunshine began bathing the island.

After being welcomed by Sir Norman Browse, President of the States of Alderney, and chief executive David Jeremiah the couple spent time talking to members of the crowd before embarking on a whistle-stop tour of the island.