Pupils were left “buzzing” after the Duchess of Cornwall popped in to see how their school’s preparations for Commonwealth Day celebrations were coming along.

Camilla chatted with teachers and children at Barncroft Primary School on Tuesday and presented them with a cake and they in turn gave her a book of poems written by pupils.

The Royal visit to the school in Walthamstow’s Brunel Road comes ahead of the school’s Commonwealth Big Lunch which will take place later this month to mark the holiday.

Head teacher Tracey Griffiths said: “Camilla was lovely. She greeted all the children waving flags outside and made her way into the hall where Years 4, 5 and 6 pupils were making preparations for the party.

“She had a go of making a friendship bracelet with recycled beads from Kenya and an origami flower for table placements. She also chatted with pupils about the different types of breads they were baking.

“She spoke about her passion for the Commonwealth and how the Big Lunch Party would bring people in the community together, particularly isolated people.

“It was an absolutely amazing visit and it’s been a very special day. The children were just buzzing and over the moon.”

Commonwealth Day, formerly known as Empire Day, is a celebration of the 52 countries which make up the political organisation. The celebration of unity and diversity fell on Monday, March 12, this year.

Parents at Barncroft will be asked to cook a dish from their home country and bring it to the school’s party on March 28 in an effort to help them bond with other families. Twenty-five languages are spoken by two thirds of pupils at the school.

Ms Griffiths said: “It seems to be that sharing food is a common theme for families to get together and we have a very diverse community here.”