Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visit Derbyshire
A high point of this summer was the visit of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 10th July. It was a truly glorious day full of blue sky, sunshine and smiles on which Derbyshire looked at its most beautiful and gave the Royal party a warm and heartfelt welcome.
The Queen and Prince Philip were greeted at Matlock station by the Lord Lieutenant Willie Tucker and his wife Jill, having disembarked the Royal Train at Derby for the local train – to the delight of surprised commuters and schoolchildren. It was the Queen’s first official visit to Matlock for 22 years and in celebration the town was decked with bunting, music played and crowds of schoolchildren and adults excitedly waved flags, cheered and smiled their welcome.
All were eager to get a glimpse of the Royal Party as they left Matlock Station to visit knitwear firm John Smedley Ltd’s factory, which the Queen visited before in 1968. Awarded a Royal Warrant in 2013, Smedley’s is celebrating its 230th anniversary.
Following a tour of the premises at Lea Mills and a brief fashion show, HM The Queen and Prince Philip drove on to Chatsworth where the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, flanked by crowds of well-wishers, were waiting to greet them. Chatsworth looked perfect with musical entertainment adding to the atmosphere of excitement and 20 stalls celebrating Derbyshire and county produce lining Lodge Hill.
On arrival members of staff, Peak District National Park volunteer rangers and members of the air ambulance and mountain, dog and cave rescue organisations were introduced to the Queen, who was presented with a hamper of local produce. The Queen and Prince Philip then attended the Lord Lieutenant’s reception in the Painted Hall at which members of voluntary and charitable organisations in the county were present. The Duke of Devonshire had then arranged a private luncheon before the Royal party left by helicopter. It was certainly an exciting, joyous and memorable day in the life of the county.
