School Patron

PRINCE MICHAEL was born on July 4th, 1942 at the family home in Iver, Buckinghamshire.

He was christened Michael George Charles Franklin, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt as one of his godfathers. His father, Prince George, Duke of Kent, was the fourth son of King George V and his mother, Princess Marina, was the daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece and of Grand Duchess Helen Vladimirovna of Russia.

Prince Michael was educated at Sunningdale School and then at Eton College.

Prince Michael of Kent is the patron of GEMS Wellington International School and dug the first patch of sand that became the school’s foundation and said what the children and staff had a achieved in such a short time was remarkable.

Speaking on the occasion Prince Michael said: "I am aware of the reputation enjoyed by GEMS schools worldwide. It was a pleasure to lay the foundation of such a magnificent school."

"I look at this building, I realize that the physical manifestation of what was merely an idea a year ago, has far exceeded my expectations," he said.

"We all have a role to play in making the world a better place and it is evident that a school like GEMS Wellington aspires to do just that," he added.

"I have been to the UAE six to seven times before and I am struck by the visible change and the extraordinary quality of life in this country," he said.