"I remember a moment when the Prince went back to his old school, Grammar School in Melbourne, and slightly to his horror his old music teacher produced a cello"

Anthony Holden’s reflection on the Prince’s visit to his former school in Melbourne reveals layers of nostalgia, vulnerability, and the unpredictable interplay between past and present. The phrase centers around a poignant moment: the Prince confronting remnants of his youth in a place familiar and yet distant, a space that holds echoes of who he once was. Visiting one’s old school can be an uneasy experience for anyone, but it is especially complex for someone whose public persona has since outgrown the boy who walked through those hallways.

The music teacher’s gesture, producing a cello, serves as a symbol of memories tethered to the Prince’s formative years. There is something intimate and exposing about being reminded of past hobbies, skills, or talents, particularly in front of witnesses who expect the adult to reprise the achievements or curiosities of their youth. The cello becomes more than just an instrument; it is a conduit to the Prince’s former self, perhaps summoning memories of effort, joy, or embarrassment associated with learning and performing music as a student.

The Prince’s “slight horror” at this moment is telling. It hints at the discomfort many feel when unexpectedly confronted with their earlier selves, especially in an environment loaded with expectations and nostalgia. The horror might stem from the fear of not meeting those expectations; perhaps he worries that his musical ability has diminished, or that a public display could reveal an unpolished side of himself. It could also reflect a universal unease at the collision of past and present identities, where private memories or insecurities risk exposure in a public setting.

This scenario illustrates the universal tension between pride in one’s roots and discomfort at confronting the unvarnished past. Holden’s anecdote gently underscores the humanity of the Prince, reminding us that all people, regardless of status, are shaped by the sometimes painful, sometimes endearing moments of their youth.