Celebrating a right royal milestone
EARLIER this year, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate 70 years on the throne.
Her Majesty ascended in February 1952, aged just 25 – the same day her father, King George VI, died at Sandringham House in Norfolk.
In her time on the throne, the Queen has seen 14 prime ministers lead the country.
To celebrate her incredibly long reign, a four-day UK bank holiday weekend will take place from June 2 to June 5.
Marking our monarch’s 96th birthday last week – and ahead of her Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend – we have decided to look back at some of Her Majesty’s visits to Cheshire throughout her reign.
Listed from most recent to most historic, the images date from 2018 back to 1957.
● Official opening of Chester Storyhouse and Mersey Gateway Bridge – 2018
The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle opened the Mersey Gateway Bridge in a ceremony at Spike Island in Widnes in June 2018 before moving on to Chester where they officially opened Chester’s new cultural centre at Storyhouse.
● Chester Zoo – 2012
The Queen visited Chester Zoo in May 2012 to open the Diamond Jubilee Quarter. Her Majesty also stayed overnight in Ellesmere Port.
● Crewe and Nantwich – 2010
Her Majesty arrived at Crewe Station in 2010 and travelled to Reaseheath College in Nantwich. She met staff and students at the college’s Equine Centre, then opened the Learning Resource Centre.
● Chester Racecourse – 2010
The Queen presented a Campaign Medal to Shaun Stocker of 1st Battalion Royal Welsh. It was during the Drumhead Service of Thanksgiving to mark the return of 1st Battalion Royal Welsh from operations in Afghanistan, at Chester Racecourse on June 10.
● Ellesmere Port – 1998
Queen Elizabeth II was pictured at Ellesmere Port station in 1998. Her Majesty visited the Cheshire town to officially open the Blue Planet Aquarium and Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
● Warrington – 1979
Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II visited Warrington to see the new Golden Square development on November 12, 1979. She also visited the town hall and was pictured waving to the crowd from the balcony.
● Runcorn – 1972
Queen Elizabeth II visited Runcorn in 1972 and this newspaper clipping shows pictures from her visit. Her Majesty officially opened the Halton Lea and Runcorn Shopping Centre, now Runcorn Shopping City, during her visit.
● Chester Races – 1966
The Queen spent a day at Chester Races in May 1966. She watched her horse, Garter Lady, go out for the Cheshire Oaks.
● Chester Royal Infirmary – 1957
Our monarch visited The Children’s Ward at Chester Royal Infirmary on July 11, 1957. Her Majesty was little more than five years into her reign.