Many thanks to Suzanne and Alan for their report about HM The Queen’s visit to the Isle of Wight today. In their own words. Ed
On the last day of their Diamond Jubilee Tour of the UK HM The Queen and Prince Philip arrived at Trinity Landing, Cowes having been given a 21 gun salute from the cannons mounted in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
The royal couple arrived on board MY Leander owned by millionaire Sir Donald Gosling.
Early birds get best seats
Crowds of people had arrived early in Cowes for the ‘best seats in the house’, some as early as 5.45am.
Island Brownies and Guides and their leaders had been invited to appear on ITV’s Day Break programme and were on screen around 7am. All the girls were very excited and girls and leaders did TV and radio interviews as well as waving flags.
Greeted by Lord Lieutenant
On stepping ashore the Royal couple were greeted by the Island’s Lord Lieutenant Martin White. In turn he presented Andrew Turner MP, High Sheriff Nick Hayward, IW Council Leader David Pugh and IW Council Chairman Susan Scoccia.
Her Majesty was wearing a peach coloured suit and matching hat with black shoes and black handbag.
Unveiled commemorative plaque
While walking along Cowes Parade to cheers from the assembled crowds of thousands of Islanders and holiday makers the Queen paused to unveil a commemorative plaque before continuing to the Cowes Lifeboat Station.
As patron of the RNLI, Her Majesty was invited to officially open the boathouse which was blessed by the Bishop of Portsmouth Right Reverend Christopher Foster. Both the Queen and Prince Philip signed the visitors’ book and a wooden plaque made by Patrick Moreton was unveiled.
Sheena Louise launched
After the royal couple had departed the Cowes lifeboat Sheena Louise, donated by Mrs Brenda Pollock, was named by Lorna Cox, sister of the late Sheena Louise before it was launched into the water.
Mark Southwell, Lifeboat operations manager, said that he was so pleased to have a lifeboat donated from someone who loved sailing – the late Sheena Louise.
Exhibitions at Cowes Yacht Haven
Soon after this the royal couple travelled by launch to Cowes Yacht Haven where they toured an exhibition staged by charities connected to the sea, including The Ellen MacArthur Trust and the Sea Scouts.
After departing the Island the Queen and Prince Philip travelled to the New Forest for a visit to the New Forest Show.
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