Uttlesford remembers Queen Elizabeth II and her visits to the district
Memories of Queen Elizabeth II's visits to Uttlesford have emerged as the district commemorates the life of the monarch.
As part of its tribute, Uttlesford District Council (UDC) has recalled three occasions when Her Majesty travelled to the area – for two official visits and a private wedding.
The most recent was to Felsted School on May 6, 2014, when, accompanied by her late husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, she was guest of honour for its 450th anniversary celebrations.
Arriving by car and then leaving by royal helicopter, the royal couple spent the day at the private school. They were guests of honour at a private lunch, followed by a special assembly where Her Majesty unveiled two plaques: one commemorating the 450th anniversary of the founding of the school in 1564 by Richard Lord Riche and the other the rebuilding of one of the boarding houses.
As part of the visit, the Duke of Edinburgh was presented with a Felsted tie by the deputy head. There was also a presentation of a boot scraper, part of a royal tradition at the school, as the Queen Mother had also received one on her visit for the 400th anniversary in 1964.
Felsted School released images from the visit to the Indie which show the royal couple arriving at the school to be greeted by waiting crowds and then meeting staff and students.
On March 15, 1991, Her Majesty officially opened Stansted Airport's new £400 million terminal building, designed by architect Norman Foster.
And three years earlier, on July 30, 1988, she attended a private family wedding at St Mary the Virgin Church in Saffron Walden when James Ogilvy, son of Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy, wed Julia Rawlinson.
Photos from the day show the Queen walking through the churchyard followed by the groom's parents.
The wedding reception was held at Audley End House. Other key royals in attendance included the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, the late Diana, Princess of Wales and the Queen's son Prince Edward.
* Have you got photos of the Queen visiting our area that you'd like to share with the Indie? If so, then please email photos@stortfordindie.co.uk.
