Pupils and teachers at Wansbeck primary school in Hull, East Yorkshire, learned this week that their music teacher of eight years, Mrs Kent, is, in fact, the Duchess of Kent.
The duchess has been travelling 400 miles a week to spend a day teaching music and singing to pupils at the school. Some staff knew her real identity, but to others it came as a complete surprise.
Ann Davies, the headteacher at the school, said: "It's been a privilege to work with Mrs Kent, she's an inspirational music teacher. The children obviously love working with her and she with them.
"Her enthusiasm with the children brings out the best with them. Thanks to Mrs Kent music is now a strength within the school."
The duchess, speaking to the Hull Daily Mail, said: "I've studied music all my life, it's my passion.
"My other passion is children. Being able to share and pass on your love of music to children is the greatest privilege a teacher can have."
Asked why she chose Wansbeck, she said: "Because of my connections with Yorkshire.
"It's close to home and home is where the heart is. I'm from Yorkshire and it's lovely to be able to teach Yorkshire children."
Hull is one of the most challenging educational areas in the country, sitting stubbornly at the bottom of the national league tables. The school's last Ofsted report in 1998 revealed that pupils make good progress in all areas but remain below national average in maths, science and English.
However in other subjects, including music, Wansbeck's students match the national averages. It has a "positive and friendly ethos", the report says. Extra-curricular lessons, including music, "help to enhance the curriculum and make a positive contribution to the life of the school".
It goes on: "Pupils at key stage one enjoy singing their favourite songs and playing untuned instruments. Key stage two pupils show enthusiasm in lessons... and request their favourite pieces of music."