‘Absolute joy’ for Windsor music teacher after award win seals Royal approval

A Windsor music teacher is celebrating after being bestowed a Royal seal of approval - becoming the first recipient of The Prince Philip Trust Fund Award.

James Manwaring, head of music at The Windsor Boys’ School and director of music for the Windsor Learning Partnership, was presented the award by HRH Prince Edward on Wednesday, November 13. 

The Prince Philp Trust Fund Award, named after the late Prince Philip, recognises people in the Royal Borough who shown exceptional dedication to helping others.

Mr Manwaring said: "Everyday I get to see firsthand how music changes people, how it lifts them up and helps them to create, to be part of a team, to perform and achieve. 

“It's an absolute joy for me to see this power of music in action and, in receiving this award, being recognised for doing something I love." 

Mr Manwaring helps deliver music lessons across six schools through the Windsor Learning Partnership as well as directing community choirs for adults.

He played a key role in organising celebrations at Windsor school’s to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

To mark the historic occasion, Mr Manwaring helped devise a song called The Long Walk, written by Emily Barden.

The song was performed by 300 school children on the Long Walk during the celebrations.

In addition, he was an active committee member for the Jubilee celebrations and devised a full week of Jubilee activities to be enjoyed in schools across Windsor.

Chris Aitken, secretary and trustee for The Prince Philip Trust Fund said: “James’s passion and seemingly indefatigable energy to help others to enjoy, learn and perform music is extraordinary.

“He has enriched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of local students and adults alike.”

The Prince Philip Trust Fund was founded by Prince Philip and has given more than £2.5 million to charitable causes around the Royal Borough since 1977.

The new award was created to honour Prince Philip who was the trust’s chairman for 40 years.

It is expected to be presented every two years with recipients shortlisted and chosen by trustees of the Prince Philip Trust Fund.

Mr Aitken said: “Given the namesake of this award, we were looking for someone who embodied some of the qualities of our late founder, Prince Philip; someone who is dedicated to supporting the community, an inspirational leader and one who has dedicated themselves to excellence in their given pursuit.

“The trustees were unanimous in recognising through all his projects, productions, community work and teaching, that James has demonstrated these qualities time and time again, and we would all like to congratulate him on receiving this award.”

The trust fund – a charity which gave out more than £110,000 to community groups in the Royal Borough during 2024 - meets twice a year to consider applications for grant funding

Applications for 2025 grant funding through the trust are now open.

For more information visit theprincephiliptrustfund.org