HM THE QUEEN AND HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH VISITED SALISBURY CATHEDRAL AND CLOSE ON 1 MAY
Issued Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh were welcomed by over 10,000 well wishers when they visited Salisbury Cathedral Close on 1 May during the south west part of their tour marking Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.
Informal gallery of photographs here. Follow the link tomorrow for the official pictures.
The Royal couple visited the Rifles Regimental Museum and enjoyed lunch as guests of Wiltshire and Swindon Borough Councils. They then spent time at Wiltshire’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration in the Cathedral Close viewing exhibits and enjoying entertainment on a medieval theme from the various Wiltshire Communities. They heard performances by the Band of The Prince of Wales Division and Salisbury Plain Military Wives Choir.
At the entrance of the Cathedral HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh were met by the Dean of Salisbury and the Bishop of Salisbury to the sound of a specially written fanfare. They viewed a series of innovative workshops with students from across Wiltshire centred on Magna Carta, saw the Cathedral’s beautiful new font and met members of its specialist Works Department. Throughout their time in the Cathedral music was performed by members of the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra.
The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, said “We are greatly honoured that Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Cathedral and the Close in Salisbury as part of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Wiltshire turned out in force to give her a wonderful welcome with the county fully represented with people from every corner of our life wanting to congratulate her and express thanks for her years of service to the nation. At the end of her visit Her Majesty unveiled a special plaque to commemorate the day which will remain in the Cathedral as a reminder of this historic occasion.”
Wiltshire’s all day Diamond Jubilee Celebration Event was jointly organized by Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council and Salisbury Cathedral for the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and was a marvellous day with a great blend of history, spectacle and fun. All day long communities across Wiltshire were showcasing their history, treasures and produce in medieval-style tents and there were performances by regency dancers, a medieval re-enactment and a falconry display.
Download the official event programme to keep as a record of the day here.