Camilla Films Brit School Students

She is more used to being in front of the camera, but the Duchess of Cornwall turned her hand to filming during a visit to the Brit School for Performing Arts.

The school in Croydon, south London, is famous for training some of the UK music industry's biggest names, with Adele, Jessie J, Leona Lewis, Rizzle Kicks and other pop stars among its alumni.

Rachel Hennis, 16, who let Camilla take over her camera during rehearsals for a student-produced entertainment show, said the Duchess was a natural when it came to filming.

"It's a difficult thing to do and she did a good job," the student said. "She could do more in the future if she wanted to."

During the visit on Wednesday 27th March 2013, Camilla also saw the college's ballet studio, costume and make-up classes, and set-building workshops.

She joked with an Age UK community choir she saw rehearsing in the school:

"I think I shall probably be joining you soon."

But when asked to sing for a mother-and-toddler music session, she declined, saying she preferred to listen.

She chatted to a handful of the school's 1,100 pupils at break time in the canteen, even high-fiving 17-year-old music student Jonty Ryder.

The tour ended with the final rehearsal for a production of the 1970s Broadway musical Pippin.

A plaque to mark the Duchess's visit was lowered from the ceiling after students performed the show's opening number.

The school, which produces 50 student shows a year, is non-fee-paying and supported by the Department for Education and the British Recording Industry Trust.

Camilla has previously been involved in the Classical Brit Awards, the proceeds of which go to the school.

Dance student Briony Scarlett, 18, who was selected to guide the Duchess around the college, said:

"It's an amazing opportunity for her to see where the funding is going."

The last royal visit was 11 years ago, when the Queen went as part of her Golden Jubilee.