Guided by members of the College, the group toured Eton’s imposing historic buildings, including College Chapel, whose origins date to the fifteenth century, and the School Library, built as a memorial to Etonians who lost their lives in the Boer War. Alongside almost six centuries of history, the visitors were also introduced to the College’s modern facilities and international outlook.

Following the tour, the diplomats were welcomed for drinks at the Provost’s Lodge by Sir Nicholas Coleridge, Provost of Eton. The gathering provided an opportunity for a wide-ranging discussion about Eton’s past, present and future, including its international community, with some 300 pupils coming from overseas. Speaking on behalf of the visiting diplomats, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Honduras, His Excellency Iván Romero-Martínez, praised the combination of centuries-old tradition and modern facilities, describing the group as “full of admiration” for the school. He also reflected on Eton’s long record of educating figures who have distinguished themselves in public life, the arts, business, the armed forces and diplomacy, and thanked former Eton pupil Professor T.E.A. Beravale for organising the visit.