Sailors they may be, but the ladies of Bermuda Institute had their curtsies perfected as they greeted Prince Philip aboard the Bermuda Sloop, Spirit of Bermuda.

The Prince spent 15 minutes touring the Spirit, along with Foreign Secretary David Miliband, learning about the unique educational programme.

Wednesday's visit was part of the Royal couple's three-day trip to Bermuda to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Island's settlement by the British.

Alesha Johnson, 16, was one of the girls who spoke with the Prince. "It really is a great privilege," she said. "We have spent a lot of time cleaning up the ship for his arrival, we always do but today we worked very hard."

Nalla Trott, 13, was asked by the Prince what she had learnt, to which she replied: "The most important thing I have learnt is to work together with others. In life that is very important."

Later she told The Royal Gazette they had been practising their curtsies all morning in anticipation of their Royal meeting.

While the Prince spoke with several students, Mr. Miliband took a tour down below and spoke with Bermuda Sloop Foundation Director Alan Burland.

After admitting he was a landlubber Mr. Miliband said he was impressed that every M3 student on the Island has the chance to spend five days aboard the ship.

Captain Simon Colley said: "Today has been a phenomenal success. Everyone on board the ship did a wonderful job and I'm very proud of the entire crew.

"It's been one of those occasions that people who were here will remember for the rest of their lives."

Watch leader Vershon Simmons said: "All of the students were very excited today, they have been on board since Monday."

After the visit Mr. Burland said the Prince was impressed with the expeditionary learning process on the Sloop and added that because the Prince had created the The Duke of Edinburgh Awards in 1956 the Sloop was something he could relate to.

His son, Prince Andrew, is also a patron of the Sloop Foundation and will be hosting a dinner at Buckingham Palace in two weeks.

While the Prince was on the Spirit the Queen was touring the Clocktower hall. Soon after Prince Philip left the deck, the Spirit, along with its sailors, headed back out to sea for the rest of their five day voyage.