Huge crowds - and rain - mark Queen's visit to Worcester

Neil Watts at the Hive

THE Queen experienced the best and worst of the British summer weather as she made her first official visit to Worcester in 10 years.

Hundreds of people lined either side of the Butts as Her Majesty arrived in beautiful sunshine to open the Hive.

By the time the royal party left the golden library and history centre in Sawmill Walk the heavens had opened but a hardy crowd stayed in position to cheer her on from beneath their umbrellas.

One onlooker, Carly Barnes, said: "She looked pretty in pink. She was waving away and looking lovely."

While Amy Bayliss said: "It's a really exciting day for the city and we are just glad to be part of it."

Tarik AL Rasheed at Angel Place

THOUSANDS of people packed into Worcester’s streets to catch a glimpse of the Queen as she made her way through the city.

Angel Place was buzzing a good hour before her scheduled arrival and by the time the clock ticked round to 12.15pm the crowds were five or six deep up against the metal barriers.

A sea of brolleys went up as the bright sunshine was replaced by rain, but the brief downpour did not seem to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.

About 10 minutes later all those who had been craning their necks for so long were finally rewarded as the Royal procession came into view, with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh smiling and waving at their patriotic wellwishers through the open windows of their Bentley.

It was all over in just moments but the soggy crowds went away happy having seen what they came for.

Adrian Bailes, from Worcester, who was joined by his wife Helen and three-year-old son Luke, said: “Just to catch a glimpse was fantastic. After the Olympic flame we wondered how many people would come out for this, but it was even bigger. It was a lot of waiting around but well worth it.”

Sarah Davies at the Guildhall

HEAVY downpours failed to dampen the spirits of thousands of people who gathered on Worcester’s High Street to catch a glimpse of the Queen.

Her Majesty waved at the crowds as she was driven through the heart of the city in her huge burgundy Bentley limousine for a reception at the Guildhall with the great and good of Worcestershire.

With her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, by her side, The Queen’s first official duty was to touch the sword carried by the city’s Sword Bearer to show her approval of Worcester continuing with the honour first bestowed by King James I in 1621.

After being served a lunch of fresh asparagus and pancetta wrapped chicken breast, Her Majesty returned to the High Street to explore a tableau set up in the style of a 1950s tea party featuring members of the WI and Age UK, local schoolchildren and artist Kate Brookes.

She then received bouquets of flowers from eagerly awaiting youngsters before walking down the High Street towards Cathedral Plaza, where she chatted with members of the public.

Sarah Taylor at Friar Street

EAGER faces lined the streets of Worcester to catch a glimpse of the Queen as she and Prince Philip made her from the Guildhall to the Cathedral.

Both young and old waited for their moment along Pump Street, Friar Street and College Street and the excitement was palpable.

Luke Hudson, aged 13, of Bewdley, was on Pump Street with his mum, Lesley, and both said they were looking forward to what may be their last chance to see the Queen.

“I am really excited,” said Luke. “I have never seen her before so I wanted to take this chance.”

Mrs Hudson added: “My other son is close by as well and he is hoping to meet Prince Philip when he gets his gold Duke of Edinburgh award.”

Another spectator on Friar Street, Gemma Robinson, from Kidderminster, shouted congratulations as the Queen passed by and received a royal wave in return.

“It is a privilege to see her,” she said. “It was great to be so close to her. She gave me a beautiful smile and wave when I congratulated her. This is what we do best in Great Britain.”

Sarah Taylor at Worcester cathedral

THE unsung heroes thanked your Worcester News as they made their way out of the Cathedral following the celebratory service for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

There were 300 people nominated in the competition who enjoyed the service and they were all very pleased to have been involved.

Mother and son, Rachel and James Lambert said it was a great experience.

Ms Lambert nominated her 11-year-old son for the way he had coped with a rare disease called Parry- Romsberg Syndrome She said: “We had a great view when she came in. It is something we will always remember. Thank you to the Worcester for the chance, I am so proud of James.”

Liz Sweetman with the Royal Party

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets to welcome the Queen to the Faithful City as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour.

During their visit, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited The Hive, the Guildhall and Worcester Cathedral.

After a visit to Hereford this morning, the royal couple made their way to Worcester, arriving at The Hive just before noon where she was met by civic dignitaries including Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, MP for Worcester Robin Walker and Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Roger Berry.

In The Hive, the Queen and Prince Philip were taken to separate areas. The Queen toured the ground floor, accompanied by Adrian Hardman, the leader of Worcestershire County Council, where she saw performances from children and met artists whose work is featured in the building.

She was also show documents detailing Elizabeth I’s visit to Worcester in 1575 and William Shakespeare’s marriage bond.

The Queen then unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of The Hive before both she and Prince Philip signed the visitor’s book.

Following their visit to The Hive, the royal couple then made their way to the Guildhall where there was a reception for around 100 of the “great and good” of Worcestershire and then lunch, which was attended by 150 people.

After lunch, the Queen was presented with a porcelain plate by the Mayor and then conducted a walkabout in the High Street, meeting members of the public.

The royal couple were then taken to Worcester Cathedral, where once again a huge crowd had gathered outside.

There they attended a service, joined by school children, and unsung heroes before leaving at about 2.30pm.

• Click here for our special Queen's Visit page.

• See Thursday's Worcester News for a 16-page picture special.